BuildRuler

Build & DIY estimates

How many bags of concrete make a cubic yard?

Quick answer: A cubic yard is 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 cubic feet. Standard concrete mix bags list their yield on the bag: about 0.60 cu ft for 80 lb, 0.45 for 60 lb, 0.375 for 50 lb and 0.30 for 40 lb.

  • Manufacturer bag yields · published coverage rates
  • Updated
  • Reviewed by Alex · How we calculate

1 cubic yard ≈ 45 bags of 80 lb concrete mix (27 cu ft ÷ 0.60 cu ft per bag), or 60 bags of 60 lb. Enter your slab below to get bags directly.

Bags per cubic yard by bag size

Bag sizeYield per bagBags per yd³Bags per ½ yd³Total weight per yd³
80 lb0.6 cu ft45233,600 lb
60 lb0.45 cu ft60303,600 lb
50 lb0.375 cu ft72363,600 lb
40 lb0.3 cu ft90453,600 lb

Assumes standard concrete mix bag yields: 80 lb ≈ 0.60 cu ft, 60 lb ≈ 0.45 cu ft. Check the yield on your bag. 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet.

Where the numbers come from

A cubic yard is 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 cubic feet. Standard concrete mix bags list their yield on the bag: about 0.60 cu ft for 80 lb, 0.45 for 60 lb, 0.375 for 50 lb and 0.30 for 40 lb. Divide 27 by the yield and you get the bag count. High-strength, fast-setting and fiber-reinforced mixes can yield slightly differently, so check your bag before you buy.

What does a yard of concrete cover?

ThicknessArea per yd³
3.5″93 sq ft
4″81 sq ft
5″65 sq ft
6″54 sq ft

At 4 inches thick, one yard covers 81 sq ft, roughly a 9×9 slab. A 10×10 patio at 4 inches needs 1.23 yd³: 56 × 80 lb bags before waste.

Bags or ready-mix truck?

Mixing 45 bags by hand is about 3,600 lb of material and a full day’s work for two people. Many DIYers switch to ready-mix delivery around 1 cubic yard, but trucks often have short-load fees below a few yards, so get a quote both ways. Always add 5–10% for uneven ground and spillage.

Related

Frequently asked questions

How many 80 lb bags of concrete in a yard?

About 45 (27 ÷ 0.60).

How many 60 lb bags of concrete in a yard?

60 (27 ÷ 0.45).

How many 40 lb bags of concrete in a yard?

About 90 (27 ÷ 0.30).

How much does a yard of concrete weigh?

Roughly 3,600 lb mixed from bags (45 × 80 lb before water); ready-mix is often quoted near 4,000 lb.

How many square feet does a yard of concrete cover at 4 inches?

81 sq ft.