🏗️ Concrete Cost per m³ Calculator
Instantly calculate your concrete cost per m³ — ready mix prices by grade, volume, pump hire, and region. 2026 UK pricing included.
Concrete Cost per m³ Calculator
Enter your project details to estimate your total concrete cost per m³ including delivery and extras.
Minimum order is typically 2 m³ for ready mix delivery
💰 Cost Breakdown
📋 Project Summary
⚠️ Key Reminders
What Determines Concrete Cost per m³ in the UK?
The concrete cost per m³ in the UK typically ranges from £90 to £165 for ready mix concrete, depending on grade, location, and project specifications. Understanding the key cost drivers helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises on delivery day. You can also compare suppliers instantly at CompareConcrete.co.uk ↗.
C25/C30 — the most common domestic grade — costs £105–£130 per m³ delivered across most of England. London and South East commands a 15–25% premium. Always request a formal quote — list prices exclude delivery, admixtures, and pump hire.
Concrete Grade
Higher compressive strength grades (C30–C40) require more cement content, raising the cost per m³ by £15–30 over standard C20.
UK Region
London and South East England typically adds 15–25% to base concrete cost per m³ vs. North England, Scotland, or Wales.
Delivery & Volume
Minimum orders (usually 2 m³) attract a short load surcharge of £40–80. Larger pours above 6 m³ often receive volume discounts.
Concrete Cost per m³ by Grade — UK 2026 Price Guide
Prices below are typical delivered ready mix concrete cost per m³ ranges for standard UK conditions. London and South East prices run 15–25% higher. Always verify with your local supplier as prices vary by season and demand.
| Grade | Cost per m³ (UK Avg) | Typical Use | Strength Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| C10 / C15 | £90 – £118 | Blinding, light pathways, non-structural | Low Strength |
| C20 / C25 | £100 – £125 | Domestic foundations, floors, footings | Standard |
| C25 / C30 | £105 – £135 | Driveways, patios, structural slabs | Most Popular |
| C30 / C35 | £120 – £145 | Beams, columns, commercial floors | High Strength |
| C40 | £130 – £160 | Industrial floors, heavy-duty structures | Premium |
| Waterproof / Specialist | £165 – £189 | Basements, water-retaining structures | Specialist |
Table prices are for basic delivered ready mix. Add £275–£800 for pump hire if required, £5–£20/m³ for admixtures (fibres, retarder, accelerator), and a £40–80 short-load surcharge for orders under 4 m³.
Additional Concrete Cost per m³ Factors in 2026
The base concrete cost per m³ is just the starting point. Most projects incur several additional charges — understanding these prevents budget overruns. See the full Concrete Volume Calculator to get your exact m³ requirements before pricing.
Pump Hire Costs
- Static line pump: £275–£450 — suitable for most domestic projects
- Boom pump (long reach): £500–£800 — required where truck cannot approach closely
- Mobile mini-pump: £150–£300 — ideal for tight access, small volumes
Delivery Surcharges
- Short-load surcharge: £40–80 for orders under 4 m³ (below minimum efficient drum fill)
- Extended wait time: £2–£3 per minute after free unloading window (usually 5–7 minutes)
- Saturday delivery: £50–£120 surcharge depending on supplier
- Distance over 20 miles: Additional £1.50–£3.50 per mile from batching plant
Admixture Add-Ons (per m³)
- Polypropylene fibres: +£5–10/m³ — reduces plastic shrinkage cracking
- Waterproofing admixture: +£10–20/m³ — integral waterproofing for basements
- Retarder: +£5–15/m³ — extends workability for hot weather or long pours
- Accelerator: +£5–15/m³ — speeds up set time in cold weather below 5°C
Order a slightly larger volume than calculated — running out mid-pour is far more costly than a small surplus. Add 5–10% to your calculated m³. Leftover concrete can be used for small pads, path edgings, or post bases.
Concrete Cost per m³ by UK Region — 2026
Regional variation is one of the most significant factors affecting your concrete cost per m³. Distance from batching plants, local demand, and fuel costs all drive regional differences. Find your nearest supplier at Ready Mix Concrete Plant Finder ↗.
| UK Region | C25/C30 per m³ | vs. UK Average | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North England / Scotland / Wales | £95–£115 | 10–15% below avg | Lowest UK prices; good plant density |
| Midlands | £100–£120 | At UK average | Good competition between suppliers |
| South England | £105–£130 | Slightly above avg | Higher fuel and labour costs |
| South East (Surrey, Kent, Essex) | £115–£140 | 10–15% above avg | High demand; delivery congestion |
| London & Greater London | £125–£155 | 15–25% above avg | ULEZ, congestion, restricted access |
Concrete Cost per m³ FAQs — 2026
Your most common questions about concrete pricing, grades, and ordering in the UK answered.
- C10/C15: £90–£118 per m³ delivered
- C20/C25: £100–£125 per m³ delivered
- C25/C30 (most common): £105–£135 per m³ delivered
- C30/C35: £120–£145 per m³ delivered
- C40: £130–£160 per m³ delivered
- Waterproof specialist: £165–£189 per m³ delivered
- C25/C30 handles regular car and light van loads without cracking
- Minimum 100mm thickness for cars; 150mm for vans or heavy vehicles
- Add polypropylene fibres (+£5–10/m³) to reduce surface cracking
- C20 is too weak for driveways subject to vehicle loads — avoid
- For HGV access, specify C35 minimum with steel reinforcement
- Slab: Length (m) × Width (m) × Depth (m) = m³
- Example: 5m × 4m × 0.1m = 2.0 m³
- Strip foundation: Length (m) × Width (m) × Depth (m) = m³
- Always add 10% for waste, uneven sub-base, and spillage
- Minimum ready mix order is typically 2 m³ — check with your supplier
- Site mix (bag mix): 25kg bags cost approximately £4–6 each. One m³ requires roughly 108 bags at C25 strength — costing £430–£650 in materials alone, plus mixing labour.
- Ready mix: £105–135/m³ delivered for C25, no mixing labour required
- Ready mix is cheaper for volumes above 1.5–2 m³ when you factor in labour and time
- For tiny jobs under 0.5 m³, bag concrete remains the practical choice
- Ready mix provides consistent, BS-certified strength — site mix quality is variable
- Static line pump: £275–£450 flat fee (most domestic jobs)
- Boom truck pump: £500–£800 for long reach or difficult access
- Mini pump: £150–£300 for tight access situations
- Combine neighbouring jobs — if a neighbour needs concrete, order together
- Use a volumetric mini-mixer for very small pours — charged by the exact litre, no minimum order
- Add small jobs around your project (post bases, edging) to boost volume above the minimum
- Ask your supplier for their exact minimum — it varies by plant and region
- Commercial supply (to a VAT-registered business) is subject to standard 20% VAT
- Pump hire is typically subject to VAT at 20% regardless of customer type
- Labour for pouring is subject to VAT if the contractor is VAT-registered
- Always confirm VAT treatment with your supplier upfront