Rule of thumb: under 1 cubic yard (0.75 m³), mix bags. Over 2 cubic yards (1.5 m³), order ready-mix. In between, compare quotes and be honest about your crew and access.
What one cubic yard really means
One cubic yard of concrete weighs about 4,000 lb. In 80 lb bags that's 45 bags — 3,600 lb of dry mix to carry, mix with water, and place before it starts to set.
Cost comparison (US, typical 2026 prices)
| Volume | 80 lb bags (~$6.50) | Ready-mix (~$175/yd³ + short load) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 yd³ | 23 bags ≈ $150 | $88 + $150 fee ≈ $240 |
| 1 yd³ | 45 bags ≈ $293 | $175 + $150 ≈ $325 |
| 2 yd³ | 90 bags ≈ $585 | $350 + $150 ≈ $500 |
| 4 yd³ | 180 bags ≈ $1,170 | $700 + $75 ≈ $775 |
Prices vary widely by region; enter your own in the concrete calculator to compare. And bags don't include mixer rental or labour.
When bagged concrete makes sense
- Fence posts, deck piers, small pads and steps.
- Pours that can be done in sections (each section finished before the next).
- Sites a truck can't reach and a pump isn't worth it.
When ready-mix is the better choice
- Slabs and driveways that must be poured monolithically — no cold joints.
- Anything over ~2 yd³, where labour and bag cost add up fast.
- When you need a specific strength, air entrainment (freeze-thaw areas) or admixtures.
A middle option: mix-on-site trucks
Volumetric ("short load") trucks mix on site and charge only for what you use — ideal for 1–3 yd³ jobs where you're not sure of the final volume.