45 bags of 80lb concrete = 1 cubic yard. This is the standard figure used by Quikrete and Sakrete, and it holds for any standard concrete mix in an 80lb bag.
Here's the math: one cubic yard = 27 cubic feet. One 80lb bag of concrete yields 0.60 cubic feet when mixed. So 27 ÷ 0.60 = 45 bags.
This is one of the most common concrete questions for a reason — if you're bagging a pour instead of ordering ready-mix, you need to know this number before you head to the store.
Quick Reference Table
| Cubic Yards Needed | 80lb Bags | 60lb Bags | 40lb Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25 yd³ | 12 bags | 15 bags | 23 bags |
| 0.5 yd³ | 23 bags | 30 bags | 45 bags |
| 1 yd³ | 45 bags | 60 bags | 90 bags |
| 1.5 yd³ | 68 bags | 90 bags | 135 bags |
| 2 yd³ | 90 bags | 120 bags | 180 bags |
All counts include a small rounding buffer to ensure you don't run short.
The Key Takeaway
At some point, ordering ready-mix becomes cheaper and easier than bagging it yourself. That threshold is usually around 0.75–1 cubic yard.
- Ready-mix is typically $125–$200 per cubic yard.
- Forty-five 80lb bags at $6–7 each = $270–$315, plus you have hours of intense physical labor mixing it.
For anything under half a yard, bags are fine. For a full yard or more, call a concrete supplier.