One cubic yard of concrete takes 45 bags of 80 lb mix, 60 bags of 60 lb, 72 bags of 50 lb or 90 bags of 40 lb. A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, and each bag size yields a set volume: Quikrete lists 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 have the bag count. Those figures are exact, with nothing added for waste.
This calculator needs JavaScript. The formula and a worked example are explained in the article below.
Quick chart: bags per cubic yard
No waste is included. Fractions are rounded up to whole bags, which is why half a yard of 80 lb bags is 23 rather than 22.5.
| Concrete | 80 lb bags | 60 lb bags | 50 lb bags | 40 lb bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ¼ cu yd (6.75 cu ft) | 12 | 15 | 18 | 23 |
| ½ cu yd (13.5 cu ft) | 23 | 30 | 36 | 45 |
| 1 cu yd (27 cu ft) | 45 | 60 | 72 | 90 |
| 1½ cu yd (40.5 cu ft) | 68 | 90 | 108 | 135 |
| 2 cu yd (54 cu ft) | 90 | 120 | 144 | 180 |
| 3 cu yd (81 cu ft) | 135 | 180 | 216 | 270 |
With 10% extra for waste, one cubic yard becomes 50 bags of 80 lb, 66 of 60 lb, 80 of 50 lb or 99 of 40 lb.
The math behind each number
A cubic yard is a cube 3 ft on each side, so it holds 3 × 3 × 3 = 27 cubic feet. Divide that by the yield printed on each bag:
| Bag | Yield per bag | 27 ÷ yield | Bags per cubic yard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 lb | 0.60 cu ft | 27 ÷ 0.60 | 45 |
| 60 lb | 0.45 cu ft | 27 ÷ 0.45 | 60 |
| 50 lb | 0.375 cu ft | 27 ÷ 0.375 | 72 |
| 40 lb | 0.30 cu ft | 27 ÷ 0.30 | 90 |
Quikrete’s own product listing for the 80 lb bag says 45 bags make about one cubic yard, which matches. Sakrete lists the same 0.6 cu ft yield for its 80 lb High-Strength mix, so the 45-bag figure holds for that product too. Quikrete also sells a 90 lb bag rated at 0.675 cu ft, which works out to 40 bags per cubic yard.
Every size works out to the same total weight: 45 × 80 lb, 60 × 60 lb, 72 × 50 lb and 90 × 40 lb all equal 3,600 lb of dry mix, about 1.8 tons, for one cubic yard of concrete.
How to use this for your project
bags = cubic yards × 27 ÷ bag yield (cu ft)
If you already know your yardage, from a contractor’s quote or a plan, multiply by 27 and divide by the yield. If you only know the dimensions, start with the area and thickness in the calculator above, which goes straight to bags. Our general concrete bag guide explains how to measure slabs and round holes.
A plan calls for 1.5 cubic yards of concrete, and you want to check what that means in bags.
1.5 × 27 = 40.5 cubic feet.
40.5 ÷ 0.60 = 67.5, so 68 bags of 80 lb mix.
40.5 ÷ 0.45 = 90 bags of 60 lb mix.
Add 10% for waste before you buy.
For a sense of scale, a 10 × 10 ft slab at 4 in thick is 1.23 cubic yards, or 56 bags of 80 lb mix before waste. That example is worked through in full in how much concrete for a 10×10 slab. For other conversions between cubic feet, cubic yards and bags of different materials, see our conversion guide.
Bags or a ready-mix truck?
The bag count per yard is also a useful reality check. Forty-five 80 lb bags means 3,600 lb to load, unload, carry and mix for every cubic yard, and a slab has to be placed and finished before the first batches start to set.
- Under half a yard (fence posts, footings, small pads): bags are the obvious choice.
- Around one yard: either can work. Price both, and be honest about your crew and mixer.
- Several yards, such as a large patio or a concrete driveway: ready-mix delivery is usually the practical option. Ask the supplier about minimum orders and any charge for a small load, and get a real quote rather than assuming.
Frequently asked questions
How many 80 lb bags of concrete make a yard?
45 bags. An 80 lb bag yields 0.60 cu ft, and 27 ÷ 0.60 = 45. Quikrete’s listing for its 80 lb mix gives the same figure.
How many 60 lb bags of concrete in a yard?
60 bags. Each 60 lb bag yields 0.45 cu ft, and 27 ÷ 0.45 = 60.
How many 50 lb and 40 lb bags in a yard?
72 bags of 50 lb (0.375 cu ft each) and 90 bags of 40 lb (0.30 cu ft each).
Does every brand yield the same per bag?
Not necessarily. The figures here come from Quikrete’s data sheet, and Sakrete lists the same yield for its 80 lb High-Strength mix. Specialty mixes can differ, so check the yield on the bag and divide 27 by it.
How much does a yard of bagged concrete weigh?
The dry mix for one cubic yard weighs 3,600 lb at these yields, whichever bag size you choose. That is the weight you will be lifting, before any water is added.
