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Freshly poured concrete slab with broom finish and expansion joints

Concrete Cost Calculator

Q: How thick should a concrete slab be?

A 4-inch thick slab is standard for patios, walkways, and most residential slabs. Use 6-inch thickness for driveways, garage floors, and any area supporting vehicle traffic or heavy equipment. Some building codes require 6 inches minimum for certain applications. Thicker slabs cost 40–60% more due to additional concrete and reinforcement.

Compare standard, stamped, stained, exposed aggregate, and polished concrete costs side by side for your state. Instant estimate, no sign-up.

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1. Your Concrete Slab

Slab Size

Length (feet)

Width (feet)

Total area: 480 sq ft · Concrete needed: 5.93 cubic yards (at 4" thick)

Slab Thickness

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2. Your Location

State

Removing an Existing Slab?

Material Cost Overrides ($ per sq ft installed)

Standard ($/sqft)

Stamped ($/sqft)

Stained ($/sqft)

Exposed Aggregate ($/sqft)

Polished ($/sqft)

Demolition ($/sqft)

Prices are national averages adjusted by state-level labor cost multipliers. For exact quotes, get estimates from local contractors. Use Advanced Settings to enter your actual contractor quotes.

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3. Your Concrete Cost Comparison

Finish	$/SqFt	Material	Labor	Total	Lifespan	Cost/Year
Select a state above to see your cost comparison.

Estimates based on national averages adjusted for your state. Actual costs depend on site preparation, grading, reinforcement, access, and contractor pricing. This is a planning tool, not a binding quote. Get at least 3 quotes from local contractors.

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How This Calculator Works

This calculator estimates the total installed cost of five common concrete finishes based on your slab dimensions, thickness, and state.

Material costs use national average price ranges from contractor pricing surveys. Prices are per square foot installed and include the concrete itself, reinforcement (wire mesh or rebar), finishing, and cleanup. Thicker slabs (6") cost more due to additional concrete volume and reinforcement requirements.

Regional multipliers reflect that labor and material delivery costs vary across the country. States are grouped into four tiers: Low cost (rural South/Midwest, 0.85×), Average (most states, 1.0×), High (Northeast/West Coast, 1.15×), and Very High (NYC metro, SF Bay Area, Hawaii, Alaska, 1.30×).

Cubic yards are calculated from your slab dimensions and thickness. One cubic yard of concrete covers about 81 square feet at 4" thick or 54 square feet at 6" thick. Ready-mix concrete is ordered and priced by the cubic yard ($120–$180/yd³), but installed cost per square foot is the more useful number for project budgeting.

Cost per year divides the total installation cost by expected lifespan. Standard concrete lasts 25–30 years with minimal maintenance, while decorative finishes may need resealing every 1–3 years. The "BEST VALUE" tag highlights the finish with the lowest annual cost.

Cheapest Option

Select a state — Total installed cost for your slab

Materials —

Labor —

Cost per year —

Lifespan —

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No email, phone number, or sign-up required. State-level pricing adjustments use Bureau of Labor Statistics regional cost data.

Concrete Cost Guides

In-depth articles on materials, costs, and decisions.

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Guide
Concrete vs Asphalt Driveway: Full Cost Comparison [2026]

Concrete vs asphalt driveway cost comparison. Compare upfront costs, maintenance, lifespan, and cost per year. Includes 2026 pricing data.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common concrete cost questions.

How much does a concrete slab cost?

A standard concrete slab costs between $4 and $8 per square foot for a 4-inch thick pour, including materials and labor. For a typical 20×20 slab (400 sq ft), expect to pay $1,600–$3,200. Thicker 6-inch slabs for heavy loads cost $6–$12 per square foot. Regional labor costs can push prices 15–30% higher in major metro areas.

How much does concrete cost per cubic yard?

Ready-mix concrete costs $120–$180 per cubic yard delivered, depending on your location and the mix design. A standard 4-inch thick slab uses about 1.23 cubic yards per 100 square feet. Most concrete suppliers require a minimum order of 1 yard and charge short-load fees for orders under 5–10 yards.

How much does stamped concrete cost?

Stamped concrete costs $8–$18 per square foot installed, which is 2–3 times the price of standard concrete. The extra cost covers the stamping patterns, color hardener, release agent, and additional skilled labor. Popular patterns include ashlar slate, cobblestone, and wood plank. Stamped concrete is a popular alternative to pavers because it gives a similar look at a lower price point.

How thick should a concrete slab be?

A 4-inch thick slab is standard for patios, walkways, shed pads, and most residential slabs. Use 6-inch thickness for driveways, garage floors, and any area supporting vehicle traffic or heavy equipment. Some building codes require 6 inches minimum for certain applications. Thicker slabs cost 40–60% more due to additional concrete and reinforcement.

Is it cheaper to pour concrete yourself?

DIY concrete can save 40–60% on labor costs, but it's only practical for small projects under 100 square feet using bags of premix. Larger pours require a ready-mix truck, proper forming, screeding, bull floating, and finishing — all within a tight time window before the concrete sets. A poorly finished slab may crack or settle, costing more to repair than hiring a professional would have.

How long does a concrete slab last?

A properly installed concrete slab lasts 25–50 years depending on climate, traffic, and maintenance. Standard gray concrete needs virtually no maintenance. Stamped and stained concrete should be resealed every 1–3 years to maintain appearance and protect the surface. In freeze-thaw climates, applying a penetrating sealer every 2–3 years helps prevent spalling.