Concrete & Soil Testing Calculator
Calculate the minimum number of concrete strength tests under ACI 318's sampling frequency, the cylinders to cast, field technician time and soil compaction tests — with an editable lab budget.
Concrete & Soil Testing Calculator — ConcreteNear.com
| Cylinders to cast | 25 |
| By frequency (per day / 150 yd³ / 5,000 ft²) | 3 |
| Batches (truckloads) | 30 |
| Slump, air & temperature sets | 5 |
| Site visits | 5 |
Cost estimate U.S. average prices
| Cylinder compressive tests 25 cylinder × $35.00 | $875.00 |
| Field technician 12 hr × $33.17 × 2 | $796.08 |
| Nuclear density tests 12 test × $40.00 | $480.00 |
| Proctor tests 1 test × $250.00 | $250.00 |
| Trip charges 5 trip × $75.00 | $375.00 |
| Estimated total | $2,776 |
- Your project specification can require more testing than the ACI 318 minimum — it governs.
- If a mix totals under 50 yd³, the building official may waive strength tests when there is evidence of satisfactory strength.
| Inputs | |
| Concrete of one mix | 300 yd³ |
| Days that mix is placed | 3 days |
| Slab & wall surface area | 8,000 ft² |
| Truck size (for batch count) | 10 yd³ |
| Cylinders per strength test | 3 × 4×8 in cylinders |
| Extra cylinders per test (7-day / hold) | 2 |
| Soil compaction (density) tests | 12 |
| Proctor tests | 1 |
| Field technician hours per pour day | 4 hr |
Planning estimate only — confirm with your supplier or contractor.
Prices used — edit any price to match your local quote
| Item | Unit price | Basis & source |
|---|---|---|
| Compressive strength test (per cylinder) per cylinder | starting estimate Starting estimate for molding, curing, pickup and breaking. | |
| Field testing technician wage per hr | public source BLS OEWS May 2025, 17-3022 Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians (May 2025) | |
| Nuclear density (compaction) test per test | starting estimate Starting estimate per test location. | |
| Proctor (moisture-density) lab test per test | starting estimate Starting estimate. | |
| Technician trip charge per trip | starting estimate Starting estimate. | |
| Labor markup (wage → billed rate) per × | starting estimate Starting estimate covering payroll taxes, insurance, benefits, overhead and profit. Many contractors land between 1.6× and 2.5×. |
How to use this calculator
- Enter the yards of one mix and the days it is placed.
- Enter the slab and wall surface area.
- Pick 4×8 (3 per test) or 6×12 (2 per test) cylinders.
- Add soil density and Proctor tests.
Formulas
Tests ≥ the largest of: 1 per day, 1 per 150 yd³, 1 per 5,000 ft² of slab or wall surfaceIf that gives fewer than 5 tests, test at least 5 randomly selected batches (or every batch if fewer than 5)Cylinders = tests × (cylinders per test + extra cylinders)
Questions
How often are concrete cylinders taken?
ACI 318 requires a strength test at least once a day, once per 150 yd³ and once per 5,000 ft² of slab or wall for each mix — whichever gives the most tests — and at least five batches.
How many cylinders make a test?
The average of two 6×12 in cylinders or three 4×8 in cylinders, broken at 28 days (or the specified age).
Why are lab prices estimates?
Lab fee schedules vary by region and are not published as a national series — replace them with your lab's fee schedule.
Sources & assumptions
Prices checked 2026-11-10. State pricing multiplies national figures by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (goods for materials, services for labor and services). RPPs compare general consumer price levels (U.S. = 100). They are not construction-specific; we use RPP Goods for materials and RPP Services: Other (excludes rents) for labor and services.
- Field testing technician wage — BLS OEWS May 2025, 17-3022 Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians (May 2025)
Starting estimates No public price series was found for: Compressive strength test (per cylinder); Nuclear density (compaction) test; Proctor (moisture-density) lab test; Technician trip charge; Labor markup (wage → billed rate). These defaults are editable placeholders — replace them with a local quote.
Results are planning estimates, not quotes or engineering advice. Codes, specifications and your supplier's numbers govern.
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