How Many Cubic Yards in a Concrete Truck?
Quick Answer
A standard fully loaded concrete mixer truck holds up to 10 cubic yards, but 8 to 9 cubic yards is a more typical load once road weight limits are factored in. One full 10-yard truck covers about 810 square feet at 4 inches thick.
- Full mixer capacity: up to 10 cubic yards
- Typical loaded amount: 8–9 cubic yards
- One cubic yard covers 81 sq ft at 4 inches
- Orders under ~3–4 yards usually incur a short-load fee
Formula
One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. At a 4-inch (0.333 ft) thickness, one cubic yard spreads across 27 ÷ 0.333 = 81 square feet. Multiply truck capacity by 81 to see coverage.
Step-by-Step Calculation
- 1
Cubic feet per yard
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
- 2
Coverage per yard at 4 in
27 ÷ 0.333 = 81 sq ft
- 3
Full 10-yard truck at 4 in
10 × 81 = 810 sq ft
- 4
Same truck at 6 in
10 × 54 = 540 sq ft
Concrete Truck Capacity and Coverage
| Truck Type | Capacity | Covers @ 4 in | Covers @ 6 in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-size mixer (max) | 10 cu yd | 810 sq ft | 540 sq ft |
| Typical loaded amount | 8 cu yd | 648 sq ft | 432 sq ft |
| Mini-mix / trailer | 4 cu yd | 324 sq ft | 216 sq ft |
| Short load (fee applies) | 1–3 cu yd | 81–243 sq ft | 54–162 sq ft |
Full-size trucks are capped near 10 yards by road weight limits, not drum size. Confirm exact capacity and short-load fees with your local plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a full concrete truck cost?
At $150–$175 per cubic yard, a full 10-yard truck runs about $1,500–$1,750 for the concrete itself. Delivery, short-load, and after-hours fees are added on top depending on the supplier.
What is a short-load fee?
Suppliers charge a short-load fee (often $50–$150 per yard short of a minimum) when you order less than about 3 to 4 cubic yards, because a truck trip has fixed costs regardless of load size.
How many yards can a concrete truck actually carry?
The drum can mix around 10 cubic yards, but most trucks leave the plant with 8 to 9 yards to stay under legal road weight limits. Always order based on the plant confirmed capacity.