BuildMeter guide · Concrete & Masonry
Concrete Bag Yield Chart
Compare common concrete-bag sizes, approximate mixed yield, bags per cubic foot and bags per cubic yard—then verify the exact product data sheet before ordering.
Direct answer
What to know first
Concrete bag yield is the mixed volume produced by one bag, not simply its dry weight. Common planning values range from about 0.30 ft³ for a 40 lb bag to about 0.60 ft³ for an 80 lb bag, but the selected product data sheet is the final authority.
Open Concrete Bags CalculatorWhat bag yield means
Yield is the volume of placed concrete produced after a dry bag is mixed with the specified water. Bag weight alone does not define exact yield: mix design, water content and product formulation matter. The values below are practical comparison figures, not a replacement for the package or manufacturer data sheet.
| Nominal bag | Planning yield | Bags per 1 ft³ | Bags per 1 yd³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 lb | 0.30 ft³ | 3.34 | 90 |
| 50 lb | 0.375 ft³ | 2.67 | 72 |
| 60 lb | 0.45 ft³ | 2.23 | 60 |
| 80 lb | 0.60 ft³ | 1.67 | 45 |
Worked example
A pad measuring 4 ft × 4 ft × 4 in. contains 5.33 ft³. Adding 10% gives 5.87 ft³. At an approximate 0.60 ft³ per 80 lb bag, 5.87 ÷ 0.60 = 9.78, so the purchase quantity rounds up to 10 bags.
Conversion reference
- 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet.
- 1 cubic metre is about 35.31 cubic feet.
- Volume for a rectangular placement = length × width × thickness after converting all dimensions to one unit.
Common ordering mistakes
- Rounding bag count down.
- Using excavation depth instead of concrete thickness.
- Assuming every manufacturer and mix type has the same yield.
- Ignoring uneven holes, forms, spills and material left in the mixer.
- Choosing bags for a large placement without comparing ready-mix access, timing and labor.
Use the calculators
Calculate rounded concrete-bag quantities, compare the same dimensions with the ready-mix concrete calculator, or estimate cylindrical placements with the post-hole concrete calculator.
Sources and limitations
QUIKRETE publishes a bag calculator and notes that calculations are rounded upward and yields are approximate. NIST provides the underlying volume and conversion references. Always use the selected product package and data sheet as the final yield source.