Concrete Pad Cost Calculator
This concrete pad cost calculator prices a small pad for a shed, AC unit, generator, or hot tub. Enter the pad size and your prices — the fields start at US averages — and it returns an itemized estimate of material, delivery, and optional labor, with a range. Because pads are small, it also compares bagged concrete against a delivered ready-mix price.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the pad length, width, and thickness.
- Use 4 inches for light loads, 6 inches for a hot tub or vehicle.
- Edit the prices, and untick labor for a DIY material-only cost.
- Compare the bagged and ready-mix totals to choose the cheaper route.
What a concrete pad costs
Most small pads land between $5 and $10 per square foot finished, but the total is small because the area is small. A 10 × 10 ft pad at 4 inches is about 1.23 cubic yards — roughly $150–200 of concrete plus delivery, and more once labor is added. A hot tub pad poured 6 inches thick with reinforcement uses 50% more concrete and a bit more labor.
Pads are right at the crossover point between bags and ready-mix. Anything under about half a cubic yard is often cheapest in bags; once you climb past that, a delivered yard usually wins on both price and effort. The calculator shows both numbers so the choice is clear.
Pad cost reference (US averages)
National averages as of 2025, used as the defaults above.
| Item | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Ready-mix, delivered | $160 / yd³ |
| Short-load fee (under 10 yd³) | $30 / yd³ |
| 80 lb bag | $8 |
| Finishing labor | $2–$8 / ft² |
Want the volume only? Use the concrete pad calculator. Related cost tools: the slab cost calculator and the general concrete cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a concrete pad cost?
A small concrete pad usually costs $5–10 per square foot finished. A 10 × 10 ft pad at 4 inches is about 1.23 cubic yards — roughly $150–200 in material plus delivery, or more once labor is included.
How much is a concrete pad for a hot tub?
Hot tub pads are usually poured 6 inches thick with reinforcement. A typical 8 × 8 ft pad is about 1.2 cubic yards; budget for the thicker pour plus labor, often $600–1,500 installed.
How thick should a concrete pad be for cost purposes?
Four inches suits sheds and AC units; 6 inches for hot tubs or vehicles. Going from 4 to 6 inches adds 50% more concrete, so thickness has a real effect on the total.
Can I pour a small pad with bags to save money?
Yes — pads under about half a cubic yard are often cheapest with bagged concrete. The calculator compares the bag cost with a delivered ready-mix price so you can choose.