Short answer: A standard concrete mixer truck carries about 8 to 10 cubic yards, and 10 cubic yards is the usual maximum load. Smaller trucks carry 3 to 6 yards. A full 10 yard load covers about 810 square feet at 4 inches thick.
| Load | Area at 4 in thick | Area at 6 in thick | Approximate weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 cubic yards | 243 sq ft | 162 sq ft | 12,150 lb |
| 4 cubic yards | 324 sq ft | 216 sq ft | 16,200 lb |
| 6 cubic yards | 486 sq ft | 324 sq ft | 24,300 lb |
| 8 cubic yards | 648 sq ft | 432 sq ft | 32,400 lb |
| 9 cubic yards | 729 sq ft | 486 sq ft | 36,450 lb |
| 10 cubic yards | 810 sq ft | 540 sq ft | 40,500 lb |
Why the answer is a range
The drum of a mixer truck is larger than the load it is allowed to carry. Road weight limits, the axle setup and the supplier decide how much goes in, so most deliveries are 8 to 10 cubic yards and the maximum is usually capped at about 10.
Small mixer trucks and mini mixers exist for tight driveways and small jobs, and they carry from about 1 to 6 cubic yards. Ask your supplier which trucks they run and what each can carry.
How many trucks you will need
Work out the volume of your pour in cubic yards, add 5 to 10 percent for uneven ground and spillage, and divide by the load size. A pour of 18 cubic yards needs two trucks, and it is best to schedule them close together so the new concrete joins while the first load is still workable.
Suppliers often charge a short-load fee when the order is below a minimum, which is commonly somewhere between 3 and 5 cubic yards. A small slab can cost less per yard if you buy bags instead.
Worked example
A slab 20 ft by 24 ft and 4 inches thick has 160 cubic feet, which is 5.93 cubic yards. With 10% extra that is 6.52 cubic yards, so one truck is enough and you should order 6.5 yards.
Use the Concrete CalculatorEnter your own measurements and get an exact amount.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic feet does a concrete truck hold?
A 10 cubic yard load is 270 cubic feet, since each cubic yard is 27 cubic feet.
How many bags of concrete equal a truck load?
About 450 bags of 80 lb mix for 10 cubic yards, because it takes about 45 bags to make one cubic yard.
How many trucks do I need for 20 cubic yards?
Two full trucks of 10 cubic yards each, though a third small delivery may be needed if you ordered extra for waste.
How much does a full load of concrete weigh?
About 40,500 pounds, or roughly 20 tons, for 10 cubic yards of normal concrete, before the truck itself.
More quick answers
- How Many Bags of Concrete Do I Need?
- How Many Bags of Concrete Are on a Pallet?
- How Many Square Feet Does a Yard of Concrete Cover?
- How Many Cubic Feet in a Bag of Concrete?
- How Thick Should a Concrete Slab Be?
- How Much Does a Yard of Concrete Weigh?
Related calculators
Figures are typical planning values. Material sizes, densities and local requirements vary, so confirm with your supplier before ordering.
Last updated October 11, 2026.