Bags vs Ready-Mix Concrete: Compare at Your Prices

One cubic yard is 45 bags of 80 lb Quikrete Concrete Mix: 3,600 lb to lift, haul and mix. A ready-mix plant delivers it mixed, but NRMCA notes “The capacity of truck mixers varies between 8 to 12 cubic yards”, so small orders often carry a minimum or short-load fee. Compare both at your own prices below.

Set up for: a slab, bags or a truck · Different project?

FAQ

When should I order ready-mix instead of bags?

Compare the bag count, total weight and number of mixes with the plant's minimum order and fees at your own prices; the calculator shows both totals. We don't set a cut-off.

What should I ask the ready-mix plant?

Its minimum order and short-load fee, the strength and slump it suggests for your use, how close the truck can get (chute reach or a pump), and how long the driver will wait.

Sources

Volumes only. ConcreteMath calculates volumes, bag counts, weights and your own cost figures. It gives no structural or engineering advice and never sizes footings, piers, slabs or rebar: those come from your plans, an engineer or your local building department. Bag counts are estimates from each maker's published yield; actual use varies with hole shape, uneven ground, waste and mixing. Bulk weights are published ranges; your supplier's figure wins.