How to use this calculator
- Enter Cubic yards needed.
- Enter Truck capacity in cu yd.
- Press Calculate. The highlighted row is your order quantity; the note beneath it translates the number into real-world terms.
Formula & constants
Ready-mix trucks carry 8–10 cu yd. Divide total yards by truck capacity and round up; orders under about 4 yards usually trigger a short-load fee of $75–$150. Every default in the fields above is editable — when your supplier’s spec sheet lists a different density, coverage rate or price, enter that number instead. The waste and compaction allowances follow common trade practice; see our methodology page for the derivation of each formula and the standards it references.
Where this fits in the project
Concrete work starts below grade: excavation, then a compacted gravel base for drainage, formwork, rebar where the slab spec requires it, then the pour. Order by cubic yard and round up — a short load fee costs more than surplus material.
How this connects to your project
No quantity stands alone — each material in the chain depends on the ones around it. These are the planning steps that pair with the ready mix calculator:
- Concrete Calculator — Ready mix trucks deliver bulk concrete.
- Concrete Slab Calculator — Slab pours use ready mix delivery.
- Concrete Cost Calculator — Short load fees and delivery charges affect pricing.
- Concrete Bag Calculator — Ready mix vs bagged concrete comparison.
- Truckload Calculator — Both calculate material delivery logistics.
- Concrete Footing Calculator — Large footing pours use ready mix.
Frequently asked questions
How much concrete fits in one truck?
8–10 cu yd fully loaded; local bridge limits sometimes cap it at 8.
How fast must a truck be emptied?
Most plants allow 4–7 minutes per yard; overtime standby billing follows. Have crew and access ready.
Last verified: — prices reflect current national averages. See our methodology.
Estimates are for planning. Material densities, coverage rates and prices vary by region and supplier — confirm final quantities before ordering, and check local code where structural or electrical work is involved.