Concrete Bag vs Ready Mix Cost Calculator
Deciding between bagged concrete and ready-mix comes down to one number: how many cubic yards you need. This guide shows the break-even point (about one cubic yard) and gives a simple cost calculator you can apply to any project.
The break-even rule
One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. An 80-pound bag yields about 0.6 cubic feet, so a yard needs roughly 45 bags; a 60-pound bag yields about 0.45 cubic feet, so a yard needs about 60 bags. Multiply the bag count by $4–$6 and compare it with ready-mix at $110–$165 per yard delivered.
Break-even by project size
| Project size | Bag material cost | Ready-mix cost | Usually cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 cu yd (22 bags) | $90–$132 | ~$110 min + delivery | Bags (below minimum) |
| 1.0 cu yd (45 bags) | $180–$270 | $110–$165 | Ready-mix |
| 2.0 cu yd (90 bags) | $360–$540 | $220–$330 | Ready-mix |
| 4.0 cu yd (180 bags) | $720–$1,080 | $440–$660 | Ready-mix |
At exactly one cubic yard, bagged material alone already costs more than delivered ready-mix, and that gap widens fast. The only reason to bag a larger job is site access — when a truck simply cannot reach the pour.
Hidden costs on both sides
- Ready-mix: Delivery minimums (often 1–2 yards), short-load fees under the minimum, pump-truck rental, and a hard time window.
- Bags: Mixer rental or a lot of manual labor, plus the time cost of mixing dozens of bags before the concrete sets.
- Waste: Both methods need a 5–10% buffer; order ready-mix in whole-yard increments.
Use the calculator
Start by sizing the pour with our Concrete Slab Calculator, which reports cubic yards, bag counts, and a cost estimate. For block or brick projects nearby, the Block Calculator and Brick Calculator cover those materials, and the full library lives on the Concrete & Masonry hub.
Worked example: a 12x12 patio at 4 inches
A 12x12 foot patio is 144 square feet. At 4 inches thick that is 144 x 0.333 = 48 cubic feet, or 1.78 cubic yards with 10% waste. Bagged, that is about 82 80lb bags at $4–$6 each — roughly $328–$492 in material. Ready-mix at $110–$165 per yard is about $196–$294 delivered. Even with a delivery minimum, ready-mix wins clearly once you clear one cubic yard.
Regional and seasonal notes
Ready-mix prices climb with fuel costs, aggregate shortages, and peak building season (late spring through summer). In remote or high-demand markets, the per-yard price can run higher than the ranges here, which makes the bagged option relatively more attractive for very small jobs. Treat the numbers as planning estimates and confirm with a local plant.
When the minimum load still bites
Many ready-mix plants charge a short-load fee when you order under their minimum, often one or two cubic yards. If your pour is only 0.6 yards, you may be billed for a full yard anyway, which narrows the gap with bags. Ask the plant about its minimum and short-load policy before deciding; for a true micro-pour under half a yard, bags remain the practical choice despite the higher per-yard rate. The break-even rule is a guide, not a law — site access and plant policies decide the final call.