How Many Bags of Concrete Are in a Cubic Yard?
Last updated: February 2026
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Converting bagged concrete to cubic yards keeps your order accurate, whether you are a DIYer mixing bags or a pro comparing ready-mix quotes. Use the table and formulas below to avoid short pours, extra trips, and wasted mix.
Last updated February 10, 2026
Quick answer
- About 45 bags of 80 lb mix equal one cubic yard.
- Plan on roughly 60 bags of 60 lb mix per yard.
- Always round up 5–10% for waste and spillage.
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Quick answer / summary
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. Most bagged concrete mixes yield around 0.45–0.6 cubic feet per bag depending on size. That works out to roughly 45 bags of 80 lb mix, about 60 bags of 60 lb mix, and around 90 bags of 40 lb mix per cubic yard. Always check the bag yield and add a small waste factor.
| Bag size | Approx. yield per bag | Bags per cubic yard |
|---|---|---|
| 40 lb | ~0.45 cu ft | ~90 bags |
| 50 lb | ~0.5 cu ft | ~72 bags |
| 60 lb | ~0.6 cu ft | ~60 bags |
| 80 lb | ~0.75 cu ft | ~45 bags |
Bag yields vary by brand and water content. Use the bag label if it differs from the estimates above.
When to use this guide
Use this guide when you are deciding between mixing bags or ordering ready-mix, or when you need a quick bag count for a slab, footing, or repair. It also helps you compare store-bought mix against your calculated volume from tools like the slab volume tool.
Pro tip
If your total is more than 1 cubic yard, get a ready-mix quote. The labor savings often outweigh the delivery fee. Compare local rates in concrete cost per yard.
Recommended bag sizes / mix
For small pours, 60 lb and 80 lb bags are the most efficient because they reduce the number of batches. Use 40 lb bags only for very small repairs or when handling weight is a concern. If you need higher strength or rapid set, factor in lower yields and higher cost per bag.
- Repairs & patching: 40 lb or 50 lb bags for easy handling.
- Small slabs & pads: 60 lb bags for fewer mixes with manageable weight.
- Footings & post bases: 80 lb bags for faster batching and less downtime.
Rule of thumb
If you are mixing more than 20 bags, a mixer saves hours and helps keep water ratios consistent.
Bagged vs ready-mix
Bagged mix makes sense for small projects under about 1 yard, tight access areas, or when you need to pour in stages. Ready-mix is usually better for larger slabs, long footings, and any job where consistent slump and finishing time matter.
Example use cases
- Small slab: 6 ft × 8 ft × 4 in is about 0.6 yards, ideal for bags.
- Footing run: 30 ft × 1 ft × 1 ft is about 1.1 yards, consider ready-mix.
- Repairs: Fence post or step repairs often need 1–4 bags.
How to measure (step-by-step)
- Calculate volume in cubic feet (length × width × thickness).
- Convert cubic feet to cubic yards by dividing by 27.
- Multiply cubic yards by the bag count per yard for your bag size.
- Round up 5–10% for waste, uneven forms, and spillage.
The quick formula is: bags needed = (cubic feet ÷ 27) × bags-per-yard. If you already have cubic yards from a calculator, multiply directly by the table value.
Example calculation
A 10 ft × 12 ft slab at 4 inches thick is 40 cubic feet (10 × 12 × 0.33). Divide by 27 to get 1.48 yards. At 45 bags per yard, you need about 67 bags of 80 lb mix.
Second example
A 16 in × 16 in × 36 in footing is 5.3 cubic feet. That is 0.2 yards. At 60 bags per yard, plan for 12–13 bags of 60 lb mix.
Need volume fast? Start with the Concrete Footing Calculator or Concrete Slab Calculator and then apply the bag-per-yard table.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring bag yield on the label and using generic counts.
- Ordering exactly the calculated number of bags with no waste factor.
- Mixing too wet, which reduces strength and effective yield.
- Underestimating time required to hand-mix large volumes.
Warning
If you are mixing more than about 1 yard by hand, the pour can set unevenly before finishing. That risk alone can justify ready-mix.
Example
Example
For a 1.5 yd³ pour using 80 lb bags (about 45 per yard), plan roughly 68 bags. Add 10% waste and round up to about 75 bags.
FAQ
How many 80 lb bags equal one yard?
Plan on about 45 bags of 80 lb mix per cubic yard, then round up for waste.
How many bags for half a yard?
Half a yard is 13.5 cubic feet. That is about 23 bags of 80 lb mix, 30 bags of 60 lb mix, or 36 bags of 50 lb mix.
Is it cheaper to mix bags vs order ready-mix?
Bagged mix is usually cheaper for very small pours, but once you need around 1 yard or more, ready-mix often wins on labor and consistency.
How many 60 lb bags are in a yard?
About 60 bags per yard is a good planning number for 60 lb mix.
Do different brands yield different volumes?
Yes. Bag yields vary by product and mix design, so check the yield printed on the bag before you buy in bulk.
Should I buy extra bags for waste?
Adding 5–10% extra is typical. It is easier to return extra bags than run short mid-pour.
How many 40 lb bags are in a yard?
Around 90 bags per yard, depending on bag yield and water content.
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