How it’s calculated
- Bags = volume (ft³) × (1 + waste %) ÷ bag yield (ft³), rounded up
Worked example
1 cubic yard of concrete with 5% waste.
Inputs
- Concrete volume
- 1 cu yd
- Extra for waste
- 5 %
- Price per 80 lb bag
- 0 $
- Price per 60 lb bag
- 0 $
Results
- 80 lb bags
- 48 bags
- 60 lb bags
- 63 bags
- 50 lb bags
- 76 bags
- 40 lb bags
- 95 bags
Assumptions and limits
- Bag counts use typical manufacturer yields for pre-mixed concrete. Check the yield printed on your bag.
Verify the result against the applicable local code, adopted code edition, manufacturer instructions and project requirements. See our methodology.
Questions
How many 80 lb bags make a cubic yard?
At about 0.60 ft³ per bag, one cubic yard (27 ft³) needs 45 bags of 80 lb mix before any waste allowance.
When should I order ready-mix instead?
Beyond roughly one cubic yard, mixing 45+ bags by hand becomes slow and risks cold joints. Ready-mix or a short-load delivery is usually better.