How Much Does a Yard of Concrete Weigh?
A cubic yard of standard concrete weighs 4,050 pounds, or just over 2 tons. Exact weight varies by mix, aggregates, and water. Learn the ranges, how to estimate weight, and why it matters for your project.
The short answer
A standard cubic yard of concrete weighs 4,050 pounds (just over 2 tons). That's based on 150 lb/ft³ density. Lightweight mixes weigh about 2,970 lbs per yard; heavyweight, over 5,000 lbs. Bagged: an 80 lb bag makes 0.6 ft³, so 45 bags equal a yard.
Key takeaways
- Standard concrete weighs 4,050 pounds per cubic yard: the basic fact for any estimating.
- Lightweight concrete can save on structural load: but costs more per yard.
- Knowing weight helps plan delivery: a full truck can hold 10 yards, weighing over 40,000 pounds.
- Bagged concrete weight varies by mix: always check the label for coverage per bag.
Whether you're ordering a ready-mix truck or hauling bags from the home center, knowing how much a yard of concrete weighs is critical for planning. It affects everything from delivery logistics to structural design. In this guide, we'll break down the numbers, show you how to estimate weight for your specific project, and help you avoid common mistakes that can cost time and money.
What's the Exact Weight of One Cubic Yard of Concrete?
The standard weight for a cubic yard of concrete is 4,050 pounds, assuming a density of 150 pounds per cubic foot. However, actual weights can vary based on the mix design. Here are the typical ranges:
- Standard concrete: 3,900 to 4,100 lbs per yard, used for most residential projects like slabs and footings. Use our concrete slab calculator to estimate your needs.
- Lightweight concrete: 2,700 to 3,500 lbs per yard. It uses porous aggregates like expanded shale for reduced dead load. Common in high-rise floors.
- Heavyweight concrete: 5,000 to 6,600 lbs per yard. Contains dense aggregates like barite or magnetite for radiation shielding or counterweights.
- Reinforced concrete: Add about 1-3% for steel rebar weight, though it's often ignored in basic estimates.
How Do I Calculate the Weight of Concrete for My Project?
To figure out how much your concrete weighs, you first need to know the volume in cubic yards and the density of the mix. Once you have those, it's simple math.
- Measure the project dimensions in feet: length, width, and thickness. Convert inches to feet by dividing by 12.
- Calculate cubic yards: (Length × Width × Thickness) ÷ 27. Use our concrete slab calculator to do this instantly.
- Find the density from your supplier or mix design. For standard concrete, use 150 lbs/ft³.
- Multiply volume (cu yd) × density × 27: because there are 27 cubic feet in a yard. Example: 2 yards × 150 × 27 = 8,100 lbs.
- For bagged concrete: Check the bag's yield in cubic feet. 80 lb bags typically yield 0.6 ft³. Divide total cubic feet needed by bag yield to get bag count. Visit our bagged concrete calculator.
How Much Does a Yard of Concrete Cost?
The price of concrete depends on whether you buy ready-mix delivered or bagged concrete from a store. As of March 2025, here are the typical ranges:
- Ready-mix (delivered): $120 to $180 per cubic yard for standard 3,000 PSI mix. Short loads (under 10 yards) often incur a surcharge. Getting an accurate cost estimate starts with our concrete slab calculator to find the exact volume.
- Bagged concrete: $4 to $8 per 80 lb bag. A yard requires about 45 bags, so the material cost alone can be $180 to $360 per yard, plus your labor.
- Specialty mixes: Lightweight or high-strength concrete can add $40 to $80 per yard to the base price.
- Extra fees: Delivery charges, fuel surcharges, and environmental fees can add $20 to $100 to the total. Always ask for a detailed quote.
What Common Mistakes Should I Avoid When Estimating Concrete Weight?
Many DIYers underestimate total concrete weight, leading to overloaded trailers or insufficient ordering. Avoid these errors:
- Forgetting to include water weight: Water makes up about 15-20% of the mix, but density specs usually account for it. Confirm with your supplier.
- Ignoring over-excavation: If your forms are deeper than planned, you'll need more concrete. Always measure accurately and use our concrete tube calculator for cylindrical footings.
- Misreading bag labels: A 60 lb bag doesn't yield 60 lbs of concrete because water adds weight. Coverage is listed in cubic feet. Use that for calculations.
- Assuming all concrete is the same: Different aggregates and admixtures change density. Ask for the batch ticket if weight is critical, like when pouring on a deck.
- Overloading your vehicle: A cubic yard weighs 2+ tons. Most half-ton pickups can't carry more than half a yard safely. Use a trailer or get delivery.
How Does Concrete Weight Vary Between Different Mixes and Applications?
Not all concrete is created equal. The aggregate type and mix design dictate the weight, which matters for structural load, insulation, and cost. Here's how common types compare:
- Standard 150 lb/ft³ mix: Used for most slabs, driveways, and foundations. Balanced for cost and strength.
- Lightweight structural: 110-115 lb/ft³. Often used in elevated slabs to reduce framing steel. Costs about 30-50% more per yard. Our concrete slab calculator can help you compare material quantities.
- Insulating lightweight: As low as 20-90 lb/ft³, used for roof decks and non-structural fill. Not for load-bearing.
- High-density heavyweight: 200-250 lb/ft³. For radiation shielding or counterweights in bridges. Special aggregates like hematite increase cost significantly.
- Flowable fill (CLSM): 95-120 lb/ft³. A self-compacting, low-strength mix used for backfill, not structural use.
When Should I Call a Pro Instead of Calculating Weight Myself?
While figuring weight is simple math, complex pours, structural projects, or tight logistics often warrant professional help. Consider a pro when:
- You're pouring on an upper floor or deck. Structural loads must be engineered. Overloading can cause collapse.
- The pour is over 10 cubic yards. Managing large volumes requires experience and a crew. Use our concrete slab calculator to estimate volume, but hire a pro for the pour.
- Access is limited. Ready-mix trucks weigh over 60,000 lbs when loaded. If your driveway or site can't support that, special equipment is needed.
- You're mixing many bags by hand. For a half-yard or more, rent a mixer. For full yards, consider ready-mix to save your back and ensure consistency.
- Building departments require stamped plans. Engineering requirements may dictate mix design and reinforcement, not just weight.
Questions this page answers
Does a yard of concrete weigh the same as a yard of wet concrete?
Yes, the 4,050-pound number typically includes water weight. Concrete is mixed with water to start the curing process, and the density of standard concrete is based on the wet mix. Once cured, it doesn't lose significant weight. However, the exact density may vary slightly based on water content.
How many 80-pound bags of concrete make a yard?
It takes about 45 bags of 80-pound concrete to make one cubic yard, since each bag yields roughly 0.6 cubic feet of wet concrete. The total weight of these bags before mixing is 3,600 pounds, but water added brings the total to about 4,050 pounds.
Can my truck carry a yard of concrete?
Most half-ton (1,000-pound payload) trucks cannot safely carry a yard of concrete weighing over 4,000 pounds. A full-size pickup with a payload capacity of 2,000 pounds or more might handle a half-yard. Check your vehicle's payload rating and consider a trailer or delivery for larger amounts.
Does concrete weight change when it dries?
Concrete does not dramatically lose weight as it cures. The water chemically combines with cement; some surface water may evaporate, but the overall mass stays within about 1% of the original wet weight.
How much does a yard of lightweight concrete weigh?
Lightweight concrete typically weighs between 2,700 and 3,500 pounds per cubic yard, depending on the aggregates used. Structural lightweight concrete (110-115 lb/ft³) is about 3,000-3,100 lbs per yard, or roughly 25% lighter than standard concrete.
What's heavier: concrete or gravel?
A cubic yard of gravel weighs about 2,800-3,400 pounds, while standard concrete weighs 4,050 pounds per yard. Concrete is denser because it contains cement paste and sand that fill voids between larger aggregates. Use our gravel calculator to compare.
How many yards of concrete does a truck hold?
Most ready-mix concrete trucks carry 8 to 10 cubic yards. A full 10-yard load weighs approximately 40,500 pounds (over 20 tons), so the truck must be a heavy-duty vehicle. Smaller trucks or trailers may carry 1-4 yards.
Does adding rebar change the weight of concrete?
Yes, but typically only 1-3% more. Steel reinforcing adds about 490 pounds per cubic foot of steel, but since rebar makes up a small volume percentage of the total, the overall additional weight is minimal for most estimates.
In short, a standard cubic yard of concrete weighs 4,050 pounds, or just over 2 tons. Whether you're pouring a slab, mixing bags, or ordering a truck, this number is your starting point. Use our concrete slab calculator to find your volume, then plan for weight, cost, and delivery. Knowing the numbers ahead of time keeps your project on track and your back safe.