How Much Concrete Does a Concrete Truck Hold?
If you’ve ever tried ordering concrete for a slab, driveway, or footing, you’ve probably run into the same confusion: one person says a concrete truck holds 10 yards, another says 8, and your contractor says “it depends.”
They’re all kind of right.
A concrete truck has a physical drum capacity, but the amount it can legally and practically deliver to your site depends on weight limits, mix design, travel distance, slump, and local regulations. What matters for you is not the maximum number you hear online. What matters is the realistic load that actually arrives at your job.
This guide breaks it down clearly, with real ranges, simple math, and ordering tips that prevent expensive short-load fees or wasted concrete.
Most standard ready-mix concrete trucks commonly deliver 8 to 10 cubic yards of concrete per load. In many areas, 9 cubic yards is a very common “full truck” delivery target. In metric terms, that’s roughly 6 to 8 cubic meters per load (depending on the truck and local limits).
What a concrete truck “holds” vs what it “delivers.”
This is the key distinction.
A truck’s rotating drum may be built to physically handle around 10–12 cubic yards in some configurations, but the legal payload and safe operating weight often reduce what can actually be loaded and delivered. Concrete is heavy, and legal road limits exist for a reason.
So when someone asks, “How much does a concrete truck hold?” you’ll usually hear the practical answer: what it typically delivers in one trip, not what the drum could theoretically fit.
Typical concrete truck capacities you’ll actually see
Concrete trucks vary by region and supplier fleet, but these are realistic planning ranges.
Standard ready-mix trucks (most common)
Most deliveries are in the 8 to 10 cubic yard range. Many suppliers treat 9 yards as a “full” or typical max load for a standard truck.
Smaller trucks (tight neighborhoods, limited access)
Some suppliers dispatch smaller trucks that carry around 4 to 7 cubic yards, mainly for:
- narrow streets and weight-restricted roads
- driveways with a limited turning radius
- small pours where a full-size truck would be overkill
Larger-capacity trucks (less common, depending on local rules)
Some fleets use trucks that can handle 10 to 12 cubic yards, but whether they arrive fully loaded depends heavily on legal and practical limits.
Why does “full truck” change from job to job
Even if two sites are ordering the same number of cubic yards, the maximum a supplier will load can differ. Common reasons include:
1. Road and bridge weight limits
Some routes have restrictions that force lighter loads, especially in older areas or rural routes with weaker bridges.
2. Mix design weight
Not all concrete weighs the same. Heavy aggregates, lower air content, and certain mix designs can increase weight per cubic yard. That can reduce the allowed volume per truck.
3. Added water on site
If the crew adds water, slump changes, and the mix behaves differently. This doesn’t change the “volume ordered,” but it can affect handling, discharge time, and finishing quality.
4. Travel time and temperature
Long travel in hot weather can tighten schedules. Sometimes suppliers aim for smoother logistics rather than max loading every truck.
5. Site access and placement method
If you’re using a pump, have steep access, or the pour is slow, suppliers may plan loads differently to avoid the concrete sitting too long.
The concrete math you actually need
The most practical way to order is simple: calculate your volume, convert it to cubic yards (or cubic meters), then add a small waste factor.
Step 1: Calculate volume
For a slab, driveway, or pad:
Volume (cubic feet) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Thickness (ft)
Thickness conversions:
- 4 inches = 0.333 ft
- 5 inches = 0.417 ft
- 6 inches = 0.5 ft
Step 2: Convert cubic feet to cubic yards
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
Step 3: Add waste factor
A typical planning buffer is 5% to 10%, depending on how clean and controlled the pour is.
Two real examples
Example 1: 20 ft × 20 ft slab, 4 inches thick
Area = 400 sq ft
Thickness = 0.333 ft
Volume = 400 × 0.333 = 133.2 cu ft
Cubic yards = 133.2 ÷ 27 = 4.93 yd³
Add 10% buffer: 5.42 yd³
Practical order: 5.5 cubic yards
Example 2: 50 ft × 10 ft driveway, 5 inches thick
Area = 500 sq ft
Thickness = 0.417 ft
Volume = 500 × 0.417 = 208.5 cu ft
Cubic yards = 208.5 ÷ 27 = 7.72 yd³
Add 7% buffer: 8.26 yd³
Practical order: 8.25 to 8.5 cubic yards
These examples show why “one truck” often covers many residential jobs. A standard truck delivering 8–10 yards can handle a decent slab or driveway in a single trip.
One truck, two trucks, or a short load?
Concrete suppliers typically price deliveries around truckloads. If you order far below a typical full load, you may get hit with a short-load charge.
Here’s how to think about it:
- Under ~4 yards: often treated as a short load
- 4–7 yards: common residential range, may still carry fees depending on the supplier
- 8–10 yards: typically a standard “full” delivery range
This is not universal, but it’s common enough that you should ask the supplier upfront so you don’t get surprised.
Planning tips that save money and prevent chaos
These are the practical details that separate a smooth pour from a stressful one.
Confirm access before the truck arrives
If a truck can’t get close enough, you may need a pump or buggy system. That changes cost and timing.
Know your discharge method
- Direct chute placement is cheapest if access is good.
- Pumping costs more but solves distance, height, and access problems.
- Wheelbarrow/buggy systems slow down the pour and can require more labor.
Schedule realistically
Concrete is time-sensitive. If your crew can’t place and finish at the pace deliveries arrive, you get:
- cold joints
- finishing problems
- extra labor time
- waste
Don’t guess the thickness
A half-inch mistake over a large area can add a surprising number of yards.
Have a plan for washout
Trucks need a designated washout area. Not planning this can create a mess, delays, or arguments on site.
FAQs
How many cubic yards are in a full concrete truck?
Often 8 to 10 cubic yards, with 9 yards being a common “full-load” delivery figure for standard trucks in many areas.
How many cubic meters does a concrete truck hold?
Roughly 6 to 8 cubic meters is a common real-world delivery range for many standard ready-mix trucks, depending on local limits.
Does the truck drum hold more than what gets delivered?
Sometimes, yes. The drum may physically accommodate more, but legal road weight limits and practical operating limits can reduce the actual loaded volume.
What happens if I order too little concrete?
You risk a second delivery (often expensive), cold joints, delays, and finishing issues. It’s usually smarter to add a small buffer than to cut it too close.
Is it okay to have leftover concrete?
A small leftover amount is normal and often better than running short. The key is controlling waste through accurate measurements and good site prep.
Final thoughts
So, how much concrete does a concrete truck hold? In real-world terms, most ready-mix trucks commonly deliver about 8 to 10 cubic yards per load, with around 9 yards being a very typical “full truck” amount in many regions. But the better way to think about it is this: the truck’s true usable capacity is shaped by legal weight limits, mix weight, route restrictions, and jobsite logistics.
If you want to order like a pro, ignore the brag numbers and do two things instead: calculate your volume accurately, then add a small buffer so you don’t run short mid-pour. Running out is expensive. A little extra is usually cheaper than an emergency second trip, especially when finishing quality is on the line.
Relevant Resources:
- https://toolsframe.com/how-much-is-a-pole-barn-kit/
- https://toolsframe.com/best-sledgehammers-for-concrete/
