If you’re planning a construction project, driveway, patio, sidewalk, or foundation, you may be wondering: How many cubic feet of concrete are in a truck?
The answer depends on the size of the concrete mixer truck. Most standard ready-mix concrete trucks carry between 8 and 10 cubic yards of concrete, which equals approximately 216 to 270 cubic feet.
However, smaller trucks may hold less, while larger commercial trucks can transport even more concrete. Knowing how much concrete fits in a truck helps you estimate delivery costs, schedule pours, and avoid ordering too much or too little material.
In this guide, you’ll learn the average capacity of concrete trucks, how to convert cubic yards into cubic feet, and how much concrete you may need for your project.
Quick Answer: How Many Cubic Feet of Concrete Are in a Truck?
A standard concrete truck typically carries:
- 8 cubic yards = 216 cubic feet
- 9 cubic yards = 243 cubic feet
- 10 cubic yards = 270 cubic feet
Most residential projects use trucks carrying between:
216 and 270 cubic feet of concrete.
How to Convert Cubic Yards to Cubic Feet
Concrete truck capacity is usually measured in cubic yards, but many homeowners calculate projects in cubic feet.
The conversion formula is:
Cubic Feet = Cubic Yards × 27
Because:
- 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
For example:
- 8 cubic yards × 27 = 216 cubic feet
- 10 cubic yards × 27 = 270 cubic feet
Concrete Truck Capacity Chart
| Truck Capacity | Cubic Feet |
|---|---|
| 4 cubic yards | 108 cu ft |
| 5 cubic yards | 135 cu ft |
| 6 cubic yards | 162 cu ft |
| 8 cubic yards | 216 cu ft |
| 9 cubic yards | 243 cu ft |
| 10 cubic yards | 270 cu ft |
| 12 cubic yards | 324 cu ft |
Average Concrete Mixer Truck Size
Most ready-mix trucks used for residential construction carry:
- 8 cubic yards
- 9 cubic yards
- 10 cubic yards
A standard truck generally weighs:
- Empty: 20,000–30,000 pounds
- Fully loaded: 60,000–70,000 pounds
Because of their size and weight, delivery companies may limit access to narrow streets or soft ground.
Types of Concrete Trucks
Different projects require different truck sizes.
Standard Ready-Mix Truck
Typical capacity:
- 8–10 cubic yards
- 216–270 cubic feet
Common uses:
- Driveways
- Sidewalks
- Foundations
- Garage slabs
Small Concrete Truck
Typical capacity:
- 4–6 cubic yards
- 108–162 cubic feet
Common uses:
- Patios
- Walkways
- Small repairs
Large Commercial Truck
Typical capacity:
- 10–12 cubic yards
- 270–324 cubic feet
Common uses:
- Parking lots
- Warehouses
- Large foundations
How Much Area Can One Concrete Truck Cover?
The amount of area a truck can cover depends on the slab thickness.
For an 8-cubic-yard truck:
| Slab Thickness | Approximate Coverage |
| 4 inches | 648 sq ft |
| 5 inches | 518 sq ft |
| 6 inches | 432 sq ft |
A thicker slab requires more concrete.
How to Calculate the Concrete You Need
To estimate concrete volume, use the formula:
Volume = Length × Width × Thickness
For example, if you’re pouring a driveway:
- Length = 20 feet
- Width = 12 feet
- Thickness = 4 inches (0.33 feet)
Calculation:
20 × 12 × 0.33 = 79.2 cubic feet
To convert cubic feet to cubic yards:
79.2 ÷ 27 = 2.93 cubic yards
You would need approximately:
3 cubic yards of concrete.
Common Projects and Concrete Requirements
| Project | Approximate Concrete Needed |
| Small patio | 2–3 cubic yards |
| Sidewalk | 1–2 cubic yards |
| Driveway | 5–8 cubic yards |
| Garage slab | 6–9 cubic yards |
| House foundation | 8–12 cubic yards |
How Much Does a Concrete Truck Cost?
Concrete delivery costs vary depending on:
- Location
- Truck size
- Distance
- Fuel prices
- Project size
Typical costs include:
- Concrete price per cubic yard
- Delivery fee
- Short-load fee
- Labor costs
Many suppliers charge extra if you order less than a full truckload.
Why Concrete Trucks Rotate
Concrete trucks continuously rotate their drums to:
- Keep concrete mixed
- Prevent hardening
- Maintain consistency
- Reduce separation of materials
The rotating drum ensures the concrete arrives ready to pour.
How Long Can Concrete Stay in the Truck?
Concrete generally remains workable for:
- 60–90 minutes after mixing
Factors affecting this include:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Type of mix
- Additives used
Contractors typically schedule pours carefully to avoid delays.
Concrete Truck Dimensions
Although sizes vary, a typical concrete truck measures approximately:
- Length: 35–40 feet
- Width: 8–10 feet
- Height: 12–14 feet
Always ensure there is enough space for delivery vehicles.
FAQs
How many cubic feet of concrete are in a truck?
Most concrete trucks carry between 216 and 270 cubic feet of concrete.
How many cubic yards does a standard concrete truck hold?
A standard truck typically carries 8–10 cubic yards.
How many cubic feet are in 10 yards of concrete?
Ten cubic yards equals:
270 cubic feet.
How many square feet can one truck cover?
An 8-yard truck can cover approximately 648 square feet at a thickness of 4 inches.
How much concrete is in a small truck?
Small mixer trucks typically carry 108–162 cubic feet of concrete.
How much does a full concrete truck weigh?
A fully loaded concrete truck can weigh 60,000–70,000 pounds.
How long does concrete stay usable in the truck?
Concrete usually remains workable for 60–90 minutes after mixing.
Quick Facts
- 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet.
- Most trucks hold 8–10 cubic yards.
- Standard truck capacity: 216–270 cubic feet.
- Concrete trucks rotate to keep the mixture fresh.
- A loaded truck can weigh up to 70,000 pounds.
Final Thoughts
Most concrete mixer trucks carry between 216 and 270 cubic feet of concrete, which equals approximately 8–10 cubic yards. The exact capacity depends on the size and type of truck.
Understanding truck capacity helps homeowners, contractors, and builders estimate material needs, avoid delays, and plan projects more effectively. Before ordering concrete, always calculate your project’s volume and confirm the truck size with your supplier.
