Concrete Bags vs Ready-Mix: Which Should You Use?
Every concrete project starts with the same decision: buy bags from the hardware store or order a ready-mix truck? The answer depends entirely on how many cubic yards you need, how quickly you need to pour, and whether you have a mixer. This guide breaks down the math, the breakpoints, and the tradeoffs.
Quick Decision Guide
| Volume Needed | Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Under 0.25 yd³ (7 cu ft) | Bags | Fence posts, footings, repair patches. No truck minimum. |
| 0.25–0.75 yd³ (7–20 cu ft) | Bags (or small mixer) | Still manageable. 12–35 bags of 80lb. Consider renting a mixer. |
| 0.75–1.5 yd³ (20–40 cu ft) | Either — compare costs | Short-load fees may offset ready-mix savings. Get a quote. |
| 1.5–5 yd³ | Ready-Mix | Bags become impractical. 67–225 bags of 80lb. Truck is faster and cheaper. |
| Over 5 yd³ | Ready-Mix only | A full truck load (8–10 yd³) is the most economical option. |
Bag Count Examples by Project
| Project | Cu Yds | 80lb Bags | 60lb Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fence post (1 ft dia., 3 ft deep) | 0.02 | 1 | 2 |
| Deck footing (12" dia., 4 ft deep) | 0.05 | 4 | 6 |
| 10×10 ft slab at 4 inches | 1.23 | 56 | 74 |
| 10×10 ft slab at 6 inches | 1.85 | 84 | 112 |
| 20×20 ft patio at 4 inches | 4.94 | 223 | 297 |
| Driveway 10×20 ft at 5 inches | 3.09 | 140 | 186 |
80lb bag = 0.60 cu ft; 60lb bag = 0.45 cu ft. Includes 10% waste. Verify bag yield on the label before purchasing.
Detailed Comparison
Bagged Concrete
+No minimum order
+Available same-day at hardware stores
+No truck scheduling or wait time
+Good for DIY small pours
+No short-load fees
−Labor-intensive mixing
−Inconsistent batches if mixed poorly
−More expensive per yard at scale
−Impractical over 1 cubic yard
−Requires a mixer for quality results
Ready-Mix Concrete
+Consistent factory mix design
+Fast pour — truck delivers it ready to go
+Cheaper per yard at volume
+Better for structural slabs and drives
+Available in various mix strengths
−Minimum order (usually 1 yd³)
−Short-load fees under 3–4 yards
−Must schedule delivery in advance
−Truck access required on site
−Once it arrives, you must pour promptly
Calculate Your Concrete Quantity
Enter your slab or footing dimensions to instantly see cubic yards, 80lb bag count, 60lb bag count, and ready-mix volume.
Open Concrete Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
At what project size does ready-mix concrete become more economical?
Most contractors recommend ready-mix for any pour over 1 cubic yard (about 27 cubic feet). At that volume you'd need 45 bags of 80lb concrete — a time-consuming and physically demanding process. Ready-mix is almost always cheaper per yard at 1 cubic yard and above, especially when you factor in the labor saved.
How many 80lb bags of concrete make a yard?
An 80lb bag yields approximately 0.60 cubic feet. One cubic yard = 27 cubic feet. 27 ÷ 0.60 = 45 bags per cubic yard. For a 10×10 ft slab at 4 inches thick (1.23 cubic yards), you'd need about 56 bags — before adding waste.
How many 60lb bags of concrete make a yard?
A 60lb bag yields approximately 0.45 cubic feet. 27 ÷ 0.45 = 60 bags per cubic yard. 60lb bags are easier to handle but more expensive per cubic yard than 80lb bags. They're a good choice for tight spaces or solo projects where carrying 80lbs is difficult.
What is the minimum order for ready-mix concrete?
Most ready-mix suppliers have a minimum order of 1 cubic yard. Some charge a short-load fee (typically $50–$150) for orders under 3–4 cubic yards. Call your local plant to confirm their minimums and short-load pricing before choosing between bags and ready-mix.
Can I mix bags and ready-mix concrete on the same project?
Yes — it's common to use ready-mix for the main pour and keep a bag or two on hand for touch-ups and small repairs. However, mixing brands or batches within the same structural pour is not recommended as slump consistency and mix design may differ.
What are the advantages of bagged concrete vs ready-mix?
Bags: no minimum order, no truck scheduling, available same-day at any hardware store, works for very small pours (footings, fence posts, steps). Ready-mix: consistent mix design, no mixing labor, faster pour, better suited for large structural slabs, patios, and driveways over 1 yard.
Sources & Assumptions
Bag yield: 80lb bag ≈ 0.60 cu ft; 60lb bag ≈ 0.45 cu ft, per published specifications from Quikrete® and Sakrete®. Verify on the bag label before purchasing.
Bag count: Includes 10% waste factor. Actual waste depends on form shape, subgrade conditions, and pour method.
Ready-mix pricing: Short-load fees and minimum order quantities vary widely by region and supplier. Always call for a quote before making a decision based solely on volume.
Last reviewed: May 2026
Related Calculators & Guides
Need exact cubic yards and bag counts? Use the Concrete Calculator. Planning a 10×10 slab specifically? See How Much Concrete for a 10×10 Slab?
Need a gravel base layer under the slab? Gravel Calculator
How This Estimate Was Prepared
Volume estimates on this page use standard concrete formulas — length × width × depth ÷ 27 for cubic yards. Bag yield figures (80lb = 0.60 cu ft; 60lb = 0.45 cu ft) are based on published specifications from major concrete bag manufacturers; verify on the bag label before purchasing. Cost breakpoints and ready-mix pricing reflect typical US regional ranges in 2026 — always call your local plant for current minimum order requirements and short-load fees. Last reviewed: May 2026.