Ready-Mix vs Bagged Concrete
The right choice comes down to volume and working time. Under 1 cubic yard, bags are practical. Over 3 cubic yards, ready-mix is the only viable option.
Quick rule of thumb
- Under 1 cubic yard: use bagged concrete
- 1–3 cubic yards: call the plant (short-load ready-mix is often cheaper)
- Over 3 cubic yards: always use ready-mix
Use the concrete calculator to find out how many cubic yards your project needs.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Bagged Concrete | Ready-Mix |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum order | 1 bag (0.6 cu ft) | Typically 1 yd³ minimum |
| Cost per cubic yard | $315–450 (materials only) | $120–180 + delivery |
| Best volume | Under 1 cubic yard | 1+ cubic yards |
| Working time | 30–60 min per batch | 90 min from batch plant |
| Equipment needed | Drill/paddle or rented mixer | Crew to spread and finish |
| Same-day availability | ✅ Any hardware store | 1–2 days notice typical |
| Air entrainment option | ❌ Not available in bags | ✅ Available on request |
| Cold joint risk | High (mixing in batches) | Low (placed in one pour) |
When Bagged Concrete Is the Right Call
Use bagged concrete for any project that needs less than 1 cubic yard: fence post holes, small pads for AC units or mailboxes, stair landings, and patch work. At this volume, the cost of a ready-mix short-load surcharge ($50–100) often exceeds the total cost of bags, and the logistics of scheduling a truck for a single Saturday project are not worth the trouble.
For fence posts specifically, fast-setting concrete (Quikrete Fast-Setting or Sakrete Fast-Setting) poured dry into the wet hole is the most efficient approach: no mixing, sets in 20 to 40 minutes, holds posts plumb while you work down the row. Two 60-lb bags fill a standard 8-inch diameter, 24-inch deep hole. Avoid using regular bagged concrete for post holes: the long set time means posts need to be braced for hours before you can continue.
When Ready-Mix Is the Right Call
For any pour of 2 cubic yards or more, call your local ready-mix plant before you commit to bags. The material cost alone for 2 cubic yards in bags is $630–900; ready-mix for the same volume runs $240–360 plus delivery, and delivery in your area for 2 yards will be $100–150 in short-load surcharge. The math still often favors ready-mix at 2 yards.
At 3 cubic yards and above, there is almost no scenario where bagged concrete makes sense. Mixing 150 bags by hand takes a crew of three people a full day. Ready-mix places and finishes the same volume in 90 minutes. Specify 3,000 PSI minimum for residential exterior concrete; request air-entrainment explicitly if your area has freeze-thaw winters. The plant needs 1 to 2 days notice for most residential orders. Have the subgrade prepared and crew ready before the truck arrives. Ready-mix does not wait.
Material prices updated June 2026. Ready-mix pricing varies significantly by region; call your local plant for current rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many 80lb bags of concrete equal one cubic yard?
An 80lb bag covers 0.60 cubic feet. There are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard, so you need 45 bags to make exactly one cubic yard before waste. With a 10% waste factor, plan for 50 bags per cubic yard ordered. At roughly $7–9 per 80lb bag retail, that is $315–450 per cubic yard in material cost before any labor or equipment.
At what volume is ready-mix cheaper than mixing bags?
Ready-mix becomes cost-competitive around 1 to 1.5 cubic yards and is clearly cheaper at 2 or more cubic yards. Ready-mix prices typically run $120–180 per cubic yard delivered, plus a short-load surcharge of $50–100 for orders under 5 yards. Bagged concrete at 50 bags per yard runs $315–450 per yard in material alone, plus significant labor time. At 3 cubic yards or more, ready-mix saves money even with the short-load fee.
How long does ready-mix concrete stay workable?
Ready-mix must be placed within 90 minutes of leaving the batch plant, or within 300 drum rotations, whichever comes first. In hot weather (above 90°F) with direct sun, workable time can drop to 60 minutes. In cold weather, the concrete plant can add retarders to extend working time. Have your crew, tools, and subgrade ready before the truck arrives. You cannot stop the clock.
Can I mix bagged concrete with a drill and paddle?
A drill with a mixing paddle works for 1 to 3 bags at a time. For 10 bags or fewer, it is practical. Beyond 10 to 15 bags, the mixing time per batch and physical fatigue make it inefficient. For 20 or more bags, rent a drum mixer from a hardware store for about $40–80 per day. The drum mixer lets you run continuous batches; a drill forces you to mix, place, then mix again.
What PSI should I specify when ordering ready-mix?
Use 3,000 PSI for standard residential slabs (driveways, sidewalks, patios). Use 3,500 PSI for garage floors and areas that see vehicle traffic. Use 4,000 PSI with air entrainment for slabs exposed to freeze-thaw cycles; the air entrainment prevents surface scaling. Always specify air entrainment separately by name. It is not automatic with 4,000 PSI unless you ask. Do not order below 3,000 PSI for exterior residential concrete.
Is Quikrete as strong as ready-mix concrete?
Yes, when mixed to the correct water ratio. Bagged concrete mix from Quikrete or Sakrete is made from the same ingredients as ready-mix (Portland cement, sand, aggregate). Adding too much water reduces strength, which is the most common error with bagged concrete. The water-to-cement ratio controls strength; follow the bag instructions exactly. Over-watered bagged concrete can drop from 4,000 PSI rated strength to 2,500 PSI or less.
What is a cold joint and how do I avoid it?
A cold joint is the seam created when fresh concrete is placed against concrete that has already started to set. It is a structural weak point. The bond between old and new sections is significantly weaker than monolithic concrete. Cold joints are most common when bagged concrete runs out mid-pour and you wait while mixing more, or when a ready-mix truck is delayed. Avoid cold joints by having all concrete ready before you start, using fast-setting mix to speed batches, or keeping the first section slightly wet with a fine mist if you need to pause briefly.