How much is concrete per cubic metre in Australia? [2026]
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How Much Is Concrete Per Cubic Metre?
When planning a project like a new driveway, patio, or house foundation, one of the first questions is: how much is concrete per cubic metre? On average in Australia, you can expect to pay between $400 and $450 per m³ for standard mixed concrete, although the exact cost depends on several factors.
The cost of concrete per m³ varies based on the strength (MPa) of the mix. Prices also differ between regions, with suppliers in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide charging slightly different rates due to local demand and transport fees.
Because costs can fluctuate, the most accurate way to estimate your budget is by using a concrete calculator, which calculates exactly how much concrete you’ll need and the likely total cost for your job.
This guide covers average concrete prices by strength (MPa), other factors that affect rates, and useful tips for calculating and saving on concrete for your project. Read on to find out more.
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Average Cost of Concrete per m³ in Australia
How much is concrete per cubic metre? The average cost of concrete per cubic metre in Australia typically falls between $400 and $450 per m³ for standard mixes. Prices can fluctuate depending on local supplier rates, transport charges, and the size of the order.
The most commonly used mix for residential projects, such as house slabs, driveways, and footings, is 25MPa concrete, which generally falls within this average price range.
While standard concrete makes up most residential projects, certain factors can increase costs. Decorative options like coloured concrete or exposed aggregate mixes, as well as specialised additives or admixtures, may result in higher prices per cubic metre.
To give you a clearer picture, the next section breaks down concrete costs by strength (MPa), showing typical prices for different mixes and what they’re commonly used for.
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What Are Megapascals (MPa) in Concreting?
In concreting, megapascals (MPa) measure the compressive strength of concrete. Essentially, this means how much pressure it can withstand before failing. The higher the MPa, the stronger (and usually more expensive) the concrete mix.
Here’s a breakdown of common MPa strengths and their approximate cost per cubic metre in Australia:
| Concrete Strength (MPa) | Typical Use Cases | Average cost per m³ |
|---|---|---|
| 20 MPa | Footpaths, garden edging, non-structural slabs | $400 |
| 25 MPa | House slabs, residential driveways, footings | $410 |
| 32 MPa | Heavy-duty driveways, thicker slabs, light commercial use | $430 |
| 40 MPa | Structural applications, multi-storey buildings, industrial slabs | $450 |
* These prices are indicative only and can vary depending on your location, the specific mix ordered, or any additives required. Bulk or repeat customers may also be offered reduced rates. Please note, according to Boral, a national transport charge of $1.34 per m³ (inc. GST) applies on all concrete deliveries across Australia, except in South East Queensland where the charge is $1.31 per m³ (inc. GST). This rate is effective from 1 July 2025.
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What Affects the Cost of Concrete per m³?
Several factors influence the cost of concrete per cubic metre, so understanding them can help you budget more accurately for your project.
1. Strength or Grade of Concrete
The compressive strength of concrete, measured in megapascals (MPa), is one of the biggest cost drivers. For standard residential mixes, costs generally range from $400 per m³ for 20MPa concrete up to $450 per m³ for 40MPa concrete, with 25MPa being the most commonly used mix.
2. Location
Concrete prices vary by region. Suppliers in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide may charge differently based on local demand, labour costs, and delivery fees. As mentioned above, transport surcharges, like the national rate of $1.34 per m³ (or $1.31 in South East Queensland), are also added to the base price and can quickly stack up if you live at a distance from the supplier.
3. Order Size
The size of your concrete order can influence the overall cost per cubic metre. For example, Eureka Concrete in Ballarat, Victoria quotes $407 for 1m³ of 20MPa concrete, but the price drops per m³ when ordering larger volumes: 2m³ costs $583, and 3m³ costs $795. Ordering larger volumes can reduce the per cubic metre cost significantly, making bulk orders more cost-effective for bigger projects. Planning your order size carefully ensures you get the right amount of concrete while optimising your budget.
4. Site Access
The ease of access to your site can affect cost. Properties with tight driveways, limited space, or restricted vehicle access may require additional labour, equipment, or smaller delivery trucks, which can increase the total cost per cubic metre.
5. Additional Costs
Special requirements such as pumping, coloured concrete, exposed aggregate, or additives/admixtures will increase the overall price. Decorative or specialised mixes require extra handling, materials, or preparation, which all contribute to higher costs per cubic metre.
By considering these factors before placing an order, you can better predict your total concrete costs and avoid unexpected expenses.
For a break down of prices for different concrete types, you might like: How much does concreting cost?
Using a Concrete Calculator
A concrete calculator is a simple tool that helps you estimate how much concrete you’ll need for your project, ensuring you order the right amount and avoid waste. By entering the dimensions of your slab, driveway, or footing, the calculator can give you the volume in cubic metres (m³) and an estimated cost based on your chosen concrete strength.
Example:
Suppose you are pouring a 10m × 5m driveway that is 0.1m (10cm) thick.
-
Calculate the volume:
Volume = Length × Width × Thickness = 10 × 5 × 0.1 = 5m³
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Estimate the cost using the average price range:
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Low end: 5 × $400 = $2,000
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High end: 5 × $450 = $2,250
Tip: It’s wise to add 5–10% extra to your concrete order to account for spillage, uneven surfaces, and minor measurement inaccuracies. For this example, adding 10% would increase the total volume to 5.5m³, raising the estimated cost to $2,200 – $2,475.
Using a concrete calculator with this adjustment helps ensure you have enough concrete for your project without over-ordering, saving both time and money.
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Tips for Saving on Concrete Costs
Managing your concrete costs doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some practical ways to save:
1. Order the Right Amount
Using a concrete calculator ensures you purchase only what you need, reducing waste and avoiding extra costs.
2. Compare Local Suppliers
Prices can vary between suppliers even in the same city. Getting multiple quotes helps you find the best deal for your project.
3. Consider Timing
Ordering during off-peak periods or combining smaller projects into a single larger batch can lower delivery and supply costs.
4. Combine Jobs to Reduce Delivery Fees
If you have multiple areas to pour concrete, scheduling them together can minimise truck runs and reduce transport charges, which can add up for smaller loads.
By planning carefully and using these strategies, you can make your concrete purchase more cost-effective without compromising quality.
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Getting Quotes for Concrete Cost Per Cubic Metre
Still want to know the exact answer to your query about how much is concrete per cubic metre? Before committing to a concrete supplier, it’s wise to compare multiple quotes to ensure you’re getting a fair price. Online directories like Yellow Pages make this easy! You can quickly find local suppliers, read customer reviews, and request free quotes for your project.
When seeking quotes, be sure to provide clear details about your project: slab dimensions, concrete strength (MPa), site access, and any special requirements like coloured or decorative concrete. This helps suppliers give you the most accurate estimate.
Comparing multiple quotes not only helps you find competitive pricing but also allows you to assess supplier reliability, delivery times, and customer service. Taking the time to do this can save both money and potential headaches during your project.
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*All costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this cost guide was written and should only be used as an estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions: Concrete Per Cubic Metre Cost in Australia
On average, standard concrete costs between $400 and $450 per m³, though prices can vary depending on concrete strength, location, and project requirements.
25MPa concrete, the most common mix for residential slabs and driveways, typically costs about $410 to $420 per m³.
You can use a concrete calculator to estimate the volume required for your project. Enter the length, width, and thickness of your slab or footing to get an accurate measurement in cubic metres.
Yes. Prices differ between cities and regions, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and regional Victoria, due to supplier rates and local demand.
Higher-strength mixes, like 32MPa or 40MPa concrete, require more cement and materials, making them more expensive than lower-strength mixes such as 20MPa or 25MPa.
Yes. Larger orders often reduce the cost per cubic metre slightly, making bulk orders more cost-effective than multiple small deliveries.
Additional costs may include decorative finishes (coloured or exposed aggregate), pumping, additives, or site preparation. Using a concrete calculator can help factor these into your budget.
Concrete is sold in cubic metres (m³) because it is a volume-based material. Selling by volume allows suppliers to calculate the exact amount needed for a project, ensuring you order enough to fill your slab, driveway, or footing without significant waste.
Summary
Quick Snapshot: How Much Is Concrete Per Cubic Metre?
Concrete costs in Australia typically range from $400 to $450 per cubic metre, with the most common residential mix being 25MPa concrete. Prices vary depending on concrete strength, location, and project requirements. Higher-strength mixes like 32MPa or 40MPa cost more due to additional materials and durability.
Several factors affect the final cost, including the size of your order, site access, and any additional requirements such as coloured concrete, exposed aggregate, pumping, or admixtures. Larger orders can slightly reduce the per-metre cost, while complex sites or special mixes may increase it.
Using a concrete calculator helps accurately estimate the volume and total cost for your project, reducing waste and preventing over-ordering.
To save on costs, compare multiple local suppliers, order the right amount, consider timing (off-peak or larger batches), and combine jobs to reduce delivery fees. For accurate pricing, it’s also recommended to request quotes from trusted suppliers, including directories like Yellow Pages.
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