Bags vs ready-mix concrete: which to buy

This is one of the most common questions before a concrete project. The answer depends on volume, time, and what is available in your area.

The break-even point

Premix bags cost roughly $6-10 per 80lb bag, depending on brand and store. One 80lb bag makes about 0.6 cubic feet. At $8/bag that is about $360 per cubic yard in materials alone, plus the labor cost of mixing dozens or hundreds of bags.

Ready-mix concrete typically runs $150-200 per cubic yard delivered, with a minimum order of 1-2 yards and a short-load fee if you order less than the truck minimum (usually 5-7 yards).

The break-even in materials cost is around 0.5-0.75 cubic yards. Above that, ready-mix is usually cheaper in materials. Add in the labor savings of not mixing bags, and the break-even drops even lower for projects where time has value.

When bags make sense

• Pours under 0.5-1 cubic yard (up to about 40-50 bags)
• Post holes and footings (small, scattered volume)
• When a ready-mix truck cannot access the site
• Weekend projects where truck scheduling is impractical

When ready-mix makes sense

• Pours over 1-2 cubic yards
• Large slabs where finishing time is tight (concrete sets faster than you can mix bags)
• High-strength applications requiring specific mix designs
• When you have crew and equipment to handle the pour speed

Calculate your pour first

Use the calculator below to find your cubic yard total. If it is above 1 yard, call a local ready-mix supplier for a quote before buying bags.