Updated October 19, 2026. Yields are typical values. Always check the yield printed on your bag.
Short answer: one cubic yard of concrete is about 45 bags of 80 lb mix or 60 bags of 60 lb mix. Both come to about 3,600 lb of dry material, so the weight is the same either way.
Bags per cubic yard by bag size
| Bag size | Typical yield | Bags per yard | Dry weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 lb | 0.60 ft³ | 45 | 3,600 lb |
| 60 lb | 0.45 ft³ | 60 | 3,600 lb |
| 50 lb | 0.375 ft³ | 72 | 3,600 lb |
| 40 lb | 0.30 ft³ | 90 | 3,600 lb |
The formula
Bags = cubic feet needed / yield per bag. One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so 27 / 0.60 = 45 bags of 80 lb. For a different volume, multiply the yards by 27 first, or use the concrete calculator.
Bags for common amounts
| Concrete | 80 lb bags | 60 lb bags |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 yard | 12 | 15 |
| 1/2 yard | 23 | 30 |
| 1 yard | 45 | 60 |
| 2 yards | 90 | 120 |
| 3 yards | 135 | 180 |
Real project examples (no waste)
| Project | Volume | 80 lb bags | 60 lb bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 x 8 ft slab, 4 in | 10.7 ft³ | 18 | 24 |
| 3 x 20 ft sidewalk, 4 in | 20 ft³ | 34 | 45 |
| 10 x 10 ft slab, 4 in | 33.3 ft³ (1.23 yd) | 56 | 75 |
| 12 x 14 ft patio, 4 in | 56 ft³ (2.07 yd) | 94 | 125 |
Add 5 to 10% for waste. For a slab use the slab calculator; for strips see the footing calculator; for posts the fence post calculator. For a full walk-through read how much concrete a patio needs.
Which bag size should you buy?
- Compare price per cubic foot. Divide the price by the yield. Example: an 80 lb bag at $6.50 is about $10.83 per ft³; a 60 lb bag at $5.25 is about $11.67 per ft³. These are example prices only.
- 60 lb bags are easier to lift and carry, good for small jobs or if you work alone.
- 80 lb bags mean fewer bags to open and usually a bit less cost per cubic foot.
Logistics people forget
One yard of bags is about 3,600 lb, or 1.8 tons. Many pickup trucks cannot safely carry that in one trip, so check your payload. Mixing 45 bags by hand also takes hours. If one batch sets before the next is ready, you can get weak joints in the slab. Mix in batches you can place right away, have helpers, and consider a rented mixer.
Bags or ready-mix?
At 45 bags of 80 lb per yard and an example price of $6.50 a bag, one yard costs about $292 in bags. If ready-mix is an example $150 per yard, delivery is usually cheaper once you need around a yard or more, though many suppliers add a short-load or delivery fee. Compare both with your own prices in the calculator. For winter jobs see pouring concrete in cold weather, and for timing after the pour how long concrete takes to cure.
When the numbers change
- Fast-setting, high-strength and specialty mixes can have different yields.
- Uneven ground or over-digging uses more concrete than the math says.
- If you mix your own cement, sand and gravel, use the mix ratio calculator instead of bag counts.
Frequently asked questions
How many 80 lb bags of concrete are in a yard?
About 45 bags. An 80 lb bag yields roughly 0.60 cubic feet, and a cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so 27 / 0.60 = 45.
How many 60 lb bags of concrete are in a yard?
About 60 bags. A 60 lb bag yields roughly 0.45 cubic feet, so 27 / 0.45 = 60.
Is it cheaper to buy 60 lb or 80 lb bags?
Compare price per cubic foot, not per bag: divide the bag price by its yield. The larger bag is often slightly cheaper per cubic foot, but check your store's prices.
How many bags of concrete do I need for a 10x10 slab?
At 4 inches thick, about 56 bags of 80 lb mix (75 bags of 60 lb), or 62 bags of 80 lb with 10% extra.
Do all brands have the same yield?
No. Yields differ slightly by brand and product type, so read the bag. Round up, and add 5 to 10% for waste.