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.

What is 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 do concrete 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 does ready-mix make 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

How should I compare bags and ready-mix before buying?

Start with cubic yards, convert to bags, then compare the all-in quote. This keeps the decision anchored to the same unit.

Check	Bag math	Ready-mix quote
Unit	80 lb bag yield, commonly about 0.6 cubic feet per bag (QUIKRETE, accessed June 26, 2026)	Cubic yards delivered to the site (NRMCA, accessed June 26, 2026)
One cubic yard	27 cubic feet, or about 45 bags at 0.6 cubic feet each	Ask for delivery, minimum-load, short-load, and wait-time terms in the quote
Risk	Slow mixing, fatigue, inconsistent water, and finish timing	Truck access, scheduling, placement speed, and minimum-order cost

How do I calculate the 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.

How was this verified?

Last updated and verified June 26, 2026. Method: bag-yield examples were checked against concrete-mix product information, the cubic-yard conversion uses 27 cubic feet per cubic yard, and ready-mix quote terms were framed from NRMCA's description of ready-mixed concrete delivery. Local supplier prices change, so this guide tells you what to quote, not a national price promise.