How Many 60lb Bags in a Yard of Concrete? Complete Bag Guide
Everything you need to know about concrete bag coverage, calculations, and estimating bags for your project.
Quick Answer: How Many 60lb Bags in a Yard of Concrete?
60 bags of 60lb concrete = 1 cubic yard
Each 60lb bag yields approximately 0.45 cubic feet. Since 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet, you need 60 bags (27 ÷ 0.45 = 60 bags).
How Much Concrete in 80 lb Bag?
An 80lb bag of concrete yields approximately 0.60 cubic feet of mixed concrete. This means:
- 45 bags of 80lb concrete = 1 cubic yard (27 ÷ 0.60 = 45 bags)
- One 80lb bag covers approximately 0.60 cubic feet
- For a 4-inch thick slab, one 80lb bag covers about 1.8 square feet
Complete Concrete Bag Coverage Chart
| Bag Weight | Cubic Feet per Bag | Bags per Cubic Yard | Coverage (4" thick) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 lb | 0.30 ft³ | 90 bags | 0.9 sq ft |
| 50 lb | 0.375 ft³ | 72 bags | 1.125 sq ft |
| 60 lb | 0.45 ft³ | 60 bags | 1.35 sq ft |
| 80 lb | 0.60 ft³ | 45 bags | 1.8 sq ft |
How to Estimate Bags of Concrete for Your Project
To estimate bags of concrete needed for any project, follow these steps:
Step 1: Calculate Volume
- For slabs: Length × Width × Thickness (in feet)
- For footings: Length × Width × Depth
- For columns: π × radius² × height
Step 2: Choose Bag Size and Calculate
Formula: Bags Needed = Total Volume ÷ Bag Yield
Always round up and add 5-10% extra for waste
Example Calculation
For a 10' × 12' × 4" slab:
- Volume: 10 × 12 × 0.33 = 40 cubic feet
- Using 60lb bags: 40 ÷ 0.45 = 89 bags
- With 10% waste: 89 × 1.10 = 98 bags
Cost Comparison: Bags vs Ready-Mix Concrete
When to Use Bags
- Projects under 1 cubic yard
- Remote locations
- Small repairs or DIY projects
- When you need to work in stages
When to Use Ready-Mix
- Projects over 1 cubic yard
- Large slabs or foundations
- Time-sensitive projects
- Professional construction
Frequently Asked Questions
How many 60lb bags do I need for a 10x10 slab?
For a 10'×10'×4" slab, you need approximately 75 bags of 60lb concrete. Calculation: 10×10×0.33 = 33 cubic feet ÷ 0.45 = 73 bags + 10% waste = 80 bags.
Is 80lb or 60lb bag better value?
80lb bags typically offer better value per cubic foot and require fewer trips to mix. However, 60lb bags are easier to handle and mix by hand.
How much water do I add to a 60lb bag?
Most 60lb bags require approximately 2.5-3 quarts (2.4-2.8 liters) of water. Always check the manufacturer's instructions on the bag.
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