Concrete Cost Calculator

Concrete cost in Australia varies depending on the type of concrete used and how much you need. Spray-on concrete is the cheapest option, averaging around $50-$75 per square metre. Plain concrete can be up to $85 per square metre. Exposed aggregate concrete cost is the most expensive option, costing up to $150 per square metre.

Building a new concrete driveway or garden path? Or perhaps you need a concrete slab to start building your dream home or granny flat on? Whatever you need concrete for, use our handy calculator to estimate your concreting cost.

Simply enter the total area that you need concrete for (we help with the maths below), then choose the type of concrete you want. We've included all the most popular concrete types, including exposed aggregate finish, coloured concrete, reinforced concrete, plain concrete, decorative concrete and spray-on concrete.

How can I calculate how much concrete I need?

From large projects like a concrete house slab or house foundations to smaller projects like concrete footpaths or even concrete kitchen benchtops, the amount of concrete you need will vary significantly depending on what you have planned.

How much does concrete cost per square metre?

The good news is that calculating the volume of concrete required is relatively straightforward. To calculate the total square metres, multiply the height (in metres) by the length (in metres) of the area you want to concrete.

It's always a good idea to order slightly more concrete than you think you'll need, typically around 10% extra, to account for any variations, wastage, or other unforeseen circumstances.

How much does concrete cost per cubic metre?

Our online concrete calculator works in square metres, but for some projects, you may need to use a cubic metre calculation instead, which will give you the volume of concrete needed.

To calculate the volume, multiply the height (in metres) by the length (in metres) by the depth (in metres). This will give you the cubic metre measurement. Keep in mind that one cubic metre of concrete is equivalent to 1,000 litres.

For example, if you have a driveway that is 3 metres wide, 10 metres long, and 0.15 metres high, the calculation would be as follows:

Volume = 3m (width) x 10m (length) x 0.15m (height) = 4.5 cubic metres.

Again, it's always worth ordering around 10% more to make sure that you're covered for all eventualities.

Average cost of different types of concrete in Australia

Many different types of concrete are available, from budget-friendly plain concrete to decorative concrete that can cost almost triple the price per square metre. Let's look at some of the most common types of concrete used in Australia and their average costs:

Plain concrete cost

Plain concrete is the most basic and commonly used type of concrete. It's suitable for a wide range of applications, including driveways, footpaths, and concrete slabs. Plain grey concrete costs range from $60 to $85 per square metre.

Reinforced concrete cost

Reinforced concrete is a type of concrete that contains steel reinforcement bars or mesh to increase its strength and durability. It's commonly used in building foundations, retaining walls, and structural elements. The average cost of reinforced concrete is $65-$90 per square metre.

Coloured concrete cost

This is where concrete starts to get a bit more fun. Coloured concrete offers a decorative option and involves adding pigments or dyes to the concrete mix. The average cost comes in at around $75-$90 per square metre.

Exposed aggregate concrete cost

Now we're really getting fancy. Exposed aggregate concrete is created by removing the top layer of concrete to expose the aggregate (usually stones, pebbles, or shells) embedded in the mix. It's commonly used for concrete surfaces like driveways, pathways, and outdoor areas. The average cost of exposed aggregate concrete ranges from $100-$150 per square metre.

Spray on concrete cost

Spray-on concrete is a transformative coating that mimics the look of polished cement surfaces. It is used for resurfacing, for decorative finishes and also to shield porous surfaces from potential damage caused by water and stains. Spray on concrete costs from $50-$75 per square metre.

Stencilled concrete cost

Stencilled concrete is a versatile technique that infuses plain concrete with colour, patterns, and textures, often resembling brick or stone with contrasting grout lines. This method involves placing a stencil on the concrete, spraying it with the desired colour, and, after drying, removing the stencil to reveal the design. The average cost of stencilled concrete is higher, ranging from $100 to $150 per square metre.

Factors impacting the cost of concrete

Not all concreting projects are created equal - even if it's the same size surface, costs can vary. Concrete slabs, concrete driveways, and other concrete surfaces will all be impacted by different variables, including:

Project size or complexity

The size of your project, measured in square metres or cubic metres, will directly impact the cost of concrete. Larger projects need more concrete, AKA more cash.

Excavation and site preparation

The cost of excavation and site preparation will vary depending on the project's complexity and the site's condition. If extensive excavation or levelling is required, this will definitely add to the overall cost.

Accessibility of the site

The ease of access to your site for construction crews, equipment, and materials can impact the cost of concrete. If the site is difficult to access or requires special arrangements, this could cost more.

Type of concrete

As mentioned earlier, the type of concrete you choose will 100% affect the cost. Concrete prices vary depending on the material and labour costs.

Concrete removal

If existing concrete needs to be removed before the new concrete can be poured, the cost of concrete removal should be factored into your budget.

Want to know more about concrete pricing? View our cost guide: how much does concreting cost.

Concrete cost calculator FAQs 

How do you calculate concrete cost?

To calculate the cost of concrete, you need to consider the volume of concrete required, the type of concrete, and any additional factors impacting the cost. Use our online concrete calculator for instant answers.

When do you need a concreter?

A concreter, also known as a concrete labourer, is needed for various projects like concrete pools, concrete driveways, concrete slabs, footpaths, formwork, and house foundations.

How much does it cost for one cubic metre of concrete?

The cost of one cubic metre of concrete in Australia can range from $200 to $300, depending on the type of concrete and other factors.

How much is concrete per m2 in Australia?

Plain concrete can be up to $85 per square metre. Exposed aggregate concrete cost is the most expensive option, costing up to $150 per square metre. The cost of concrete per square metre in Australia varies depending on the type of concrete and the specific project.

How much is two cubic metres of concrete?

The cost of two cubic metres of concrete will depend on the type of concrete and other project-specific factors. Use the hipages concrete cost calculator to get accurate quotes from concreters for your specific requirements.