Concrete Calculator
Calculate concrete costs for any project — sidewalks, steps, driveways, foundations, or utility slabs. Get your cubic yards needed, installed cost estimate, DIY vs contractor comparison, and rebar requirements.
Installed price ranges per project type (contractor-installed, including concrete, labor, and basic finishing). Prices vary by region — subtract 20% in the South and Midwest, add 30–50% in coastal cities.
| Project | Price Range | Unit | DIY? | Rebar/Mesh? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sidewalk / Walkway | $6–$12 | per sqft | Intermediate | Optional |
| Concrete Steps | $300–$500 | per step | Intermediate | Required |
| Driveway | $6–$14 | per sqft | No | Required |
| Foundation | $5–$8 | per sqft | No | Required |
| Utility Slab | $4–$8 | per sqft | Yes | Optional |
| Curb / Edging | $8–$15 | per sqft | Intermediate | Optional |
Use: Patios, sidewalks, utility slabs
Placed in middle of slab thickness
Holds cracks together after they form — doesn't prevent them
Use: Driveways, foundations, load-bearing slabs
12"×12" or 18"×18" grid spacing
Recommended for freeze-thaw climates
Use: Supplement to (not replacement for) mesh or rebar
Polypropylene fibers reduce plastic shrinkage cracking
Good for cold climates and large pours
Concrete Cost Guide: Every Residential Project
Concrete is one of the most versatile — and permanent — materials in home improvement. Unlike wood or vinyl, you can't easily undo a concrete mistake. Understanding project-specific pricing, reinforcement requirements, and DIY limits before you start saves money and prevents costly errors.
Installed Concrete Prices by Project Type
Sidewalks and walkways ($6–$12/sqft): The most common residential pour. Standard 4-inch thickness, broom finish. Width of 3–4 feet is typical. Wire mesh is usually sufficient reinforcement in mild climates.
Concrete steps ($300–$500/step): Each step requires forming, pouring, and finishing individually. Includes riser, tread, and rebar. A 5-step entry staircase runs $1,500–$2,500 installed.
Driveways ($6–$14/sqft): Requires 5-inch thickness, rebar grid, proper subbase compaction, and control joints. A typical two-car driveway (18×20 ft) runs $2,160–$5,040.
Foundations ($5–$8/sqft): Structural work requiring proper footings, rebar, waterproofing, and permits. Never DIY a foundation.
Utility slabs ($4–$8/sqft): Simple 4-inch pads for sheds, AC units, generators. The most DIY-friendly application.
Concrete Volume Formula
Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet ÷ 27
Thickness in feet = Thickness in inches ÷ 12
Add 5–10% overage for waste and spillage
Material Cost = Cubic Yards × Price Per Yard ($130–$170 average)
Example: 30-Foot Concrete Sidewalk
30 ft × 4 ft sidewalk | 4" thick | Standard 3,000 PSI | Contractor installed
| Area | 120 sqft |
| Cubic yards needed | 1.48 cu yd (+10% = 1.6 cu yd ordered) |
| Concrete (1.6 yd × $150) | $240 |
| Wire mesh | $26 |
| Forms, stakes, finishing supplies | $80 |
| Labor (contractor) | $600–$900 |
| Total Installed | $950 – $1,250 |
| Cost Per Square Foot | $7.90 – $10.40/sqft |
| DIY Material Cost | $350 (save $600–$900) |
This is a feasible intermediate DIY project. Renting a power screed ($150/day) makes the leveling step much easier. The key is timing: have everything ready before the ready-mix truck arrives.