How many bags of concrete in a cubic yard?
Quick Answer
One cubic yard of concrete requires approximately 45 bags of 80-lb concrete mix, 60 bags of 60-lb mix, or 90 bags of 40-lb mix. For projects larger than half a cubic yard, ready-mix concrete is more cost-effective and easier to work with.
Quick Reference Table
| Bag size | Bags per cubic yard |
|---|---|
| 80-lb bag (Quikrete / Sakrete) | 45 bags |
| 60-lb bag | 60 bags |
| 50-lb bag | 72 bags |
| 40-lb bag | 90 bags |
How to Calculate It Yourself
- 1
One 80-lb bag of concrete mix yields about 0.60 cubic feet when mixed.
- 2
One cubic yard = 27 cubic feet.
- 3
27 ÷ 0.60 = 45 bags of 80-lb mix per cubic yard.
- 4
For 60-lb bags: each yields ~0.45 cu ft → 27 ÷ 0.45 = 60 bags.
- 5
For 40-lb bags: each yields ~0.30 cu ft → 27 ÷ 0.30 = 90 bags.
Pro Tip
At ~$7 per 80-lb bag, one cubic yard via bags costs $315 vs $150–180 for ready-mix delivered. For anything over 1 cubic yard, order ready-mix — you'll save money and time.
Assumptions to Check
Before ordering materials, confirm the dimensions, product coverage, waste factor, and local installation requirements for your project. Manufacturer coverage tables and local code rules can change the final quantity, especially for structural work, exterior projects, and irregular layouts.
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