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 to $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.
Per square foot, a basic pad installation runs about $5 to $10, and a thicker reinforced pad costs more. For a step-by-step way to estimate concrete for any pad, see the concrete estimate guide.
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 to $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.