How many bags of concrete make 1 cubic yard?

It takes forty-five 60-lb bags or thirty-four 80-lb bags of pre-mixed concrete to equal 1 cubic yard. If using 50-lb bags, you will need approximately fifty-four bags.

What is the standard waste factor when ordering ready-mix concrete?

The standard waste margin is 10% for typical residential slabs and shallow footings. For complicated excavations, irregular subgrades, or line pumping, order between 10% and 15% extra to avoid short-load charges.

How thick should a concrete slab be?

A residential sidewalk, patio, or shed floor typically requires a 4-inch slab thickness. Driveways and garage floors holding passenger vehicles require at least 5 to 6 inches of reinforced 3,500–4,000 PSI concrete.

Is it cheaper to buy concrete by the bag or have a truck deliver it?

For projects under 1 to 1.5 cubic yards (around 45 to 60 bags), buying packaged bags and renting a small mixer is generally more economical. For projects requiring 2 cubic yards or more, ordering ready-mix truck delivery is significantly cheaper and saves hours of heavy labor.

Free home building cost estimator

Cost to Build a House Calculator

Estimate the cost to build a new single-family home in your state. Pick a state, enter the size and finish level, and get a cost per square foot with a stage-by-stage breakdown.

Based on the 2024 Census Bureau Survey of Construction: median contract price per sq ft of new contractor-built homes, by Census division (excludes land). Each state uses its division median.

Estimated build cost

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Cost by construction stage

Cost to build by state

Median contract price per square foot of new contractor-built homes started in 2024, excluding land. Click a state to load it into the calculator.

State	Census division	Cost / sq ft	2,400 sq ft home	vs US avg

Material calculators

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Framing Calculator

Studs at 12″, 16″ or 24″ OC, plates and headers.

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Concrete Calculator

Cubic yards for slabs, footings and walls.

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Flooring Calculator

Square feet of flooring with waste allowance.

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Roof Pitch Calculator

Pitch, angle and rafter length from rise and run.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to build a house in the US?

Census Bureau data for homes started in 2024 put the median contract price of a new contractor-built single-family home at $166 per square foot, excluding land. It ranges from about $129 in the East South Central states to $190 in New England.

Is it cheaper to build a 2-story house?

Usually yes per square foot. A 2-story home needs a smaller foundation and roof for the same floor area.

What does “16 on center” mean?

Studs are spaced so their centers are 16 inches apart. It is the most common wall framing spacing in the US; 24″ OC uses fewer studs and is common with 2×6 walls.