60 lb vs 80 lb Concrete Bags: Yield, Count, and Cost
60 lb vs 80 lb concrete bags is a question of yield, handling, and price. The concrete inside is usually the same product; only the bag size differs. An 80-lb bag of standard concrete mix yields about 0.60 cubic feet, and a 60-lb bag yields about 0.45 cubic feet. That means about 45 of the 80-lb bags or 60 of the 60-lb bags per cubic yard. The 80-lb bag is usually cheaper per cubic foot, while the 60-lb bag is easier to lift, carry, and mix by hand.
Concrete calculator →Yield side by side
| Bag size | Approx. yield | Bags per cubic yard | Bags per 10 cu ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 lb | 0.30 cu ft | 90 | 34 |
| 50 lb | 0.375 cu ft | 72 | 27 |
| 60 lb | 0.45 cu ft | 60 | 23 |
| 80 lb | 0.60 cu ft | 45 | 17 |
Yields are approximate and vary a little by brand and how much water you add. Check the bag label for the exact figure. For a quick estimate of your project volume, use the concrete calculator.
Cost per cubic foot
Stores price bags individually, so compare cost per cubic foot instead of per bag. Divide the bag price by its yield. In most stores, the 80-lb bag works out a bit cheaper per cubic foot, and the gap grows when you buy by the pallet. For a project that needs dozens of bags, the savings add up. For a single fence post or a small repair, the difference is pocket change and handling matters more.
Handling and mixing
- 80-lb bags are heavy and awkward. Lifting dozens from a cart to a truck and into a mixer is real work, and they can tear when dropped.
- 60-lb bags are noticeably easier for one person, especially when mixing in a wheelbarrow or tub.
- Mixer capacity: many small electric drum mixers handle one 80-lb bag or one to two 60-lb bags per batch. Check your mixer’s rated capacity.
If you are working alone, have back concerns, or are carrying bags any distance, the 60-lb size can make the job safer and faster despite the higher per-cubic-foot price.
Number of trips and truck payload
The total weight of concrete is the same either way. A cubic yard of bagged concrete weighs roughly 3,600 pounds dry, whether you buy 45 bags of 80 lb or 60 bags of 60 lb. A half-ton pickup can usually carry only about 15 to 20 of the 80-lb bags safely, so plan multiple trips or delivery. See how much does a pallet of concrete weigh.
Which to choose
| Situation | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Large slab or many footings | 80 lb, or ready-mix |
| Working alone or carrying far | 60 lb |
| Small mixer | Match bag to mixer capacity |
| Fence and mailbox posts | Either; fast-setting mixes come in 50 lb |
When to skip bags
Above roughly 1 cubic yard, bagged concrete becomes a lot of lifting and mixing, and batches may set at different times, leaving cold joints. Ready-mix or a short-load supplier may be the better option. See ready-mix vs bagged concrete.
Bottom line
An 80-lb concrete bag yields about 0.60 cubic feet and a 60-lb bag about 0.45, so you need 45 or 60 bags per cubic yard. The 80-lb size is usually cheaper per cubic foot, while the 60-lb size is easier to handle. Choose by project size, your mixer, and how much lifting you want to do.
Questions people ask
How many 80 lb bags of concrete make a yard?
About 45, since each bag yields about 0.60 cubic feet.
How many 60 lb bags of concrete make a yard?
About 60, since each bag yields about 0.45 cubic feet.
Is the concrete in 60 lb and 80 lb bags the same?
Usually yes, for the same product line. Only the bag size differs.
Which concrete bag size is cheaper?
The 80-lb bag is usually cheaper per cubic foot. Compare price divided by yield.
Related guides
- How Many Bags of Concrete in a Yard? 40, 60, 80 lb
- How Much Does a Pallet of Concrete Weigh?
- Ready-Mix vs Bagged Concrete: Which Is Cheaper?
- How Many Bags of Concrete per Fence Post?
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