Concrete Slab Cost Per Square Foot (2026)

Concrete is one of the most-quoted home projects — and one of the most confusing, because prices vary by slab thickness, finish, and your region. Here's a clear breakdown of what a concrete slab actually costs in 2026, plus the formula to estimate it yourself.

Average concrete slab cost (2026)

• Basic 4" slab (broom finish) — $6 to $9 per sq ft installed
• Reinforced 4" slab with rebar — $8 to $12 per sq ft
• 6" slab (driveways, garages) — $9 to $14 per sq ft
• Stamped or colored concrete — $12 to $20 per sq ft

Material-only cost runs around $130–$150 per cubic yard delivered. Labor, formwork and finishing are the bigger line items.

How to calculate concrete volume

Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Thickness in feet) ÷ 27

Thickness is usually measured in inches, so divide by 12 to convert. A 10 × 10 ft patio at 4" thick = (10 × 10 × 0.333) ÷ 27 ≈ 1.23 cubic yards.

What drives the price up

1. Thickness — driveways need 6", patios 4".
2. Reinforcement — rebar or fiber mesh adds $1–$2 per sq ft.
3. Site prep — grading, gravel base and removal of old slab.
4. Finish — stamped, stained or polished costs 2–3× a broom finish.
5. Region — labor in major metros runs 30–50% higher than rural averages.

Get a real estimate in seconds

Use the concrete calculator on the home page — enter length, width and thickness, and get cubic yards plus estimated cost instantly.