The mixing reality check
Each 80-lb bag is 2–3 minutes of mixing in a wheelbarrow or mixer — 45 bags (one yard) is two to three hours of continuous heavy work, and the concrete is setting while you mix. Past about 20 bags, rent a mixer; past 45, call a truck.
Fast-setting vs standard mix
Fast-setting bags (for posts) cost more per bag but set in 20–40 minutes without bracing. For slabs, standard mix is the right product — the extra working time is what lets you screed and float properly.
FAQ
How many 80-lb bags make a yard?
45. An 80-lb bag yields about 0.60 cubic feet and a yard is 27 cubic feet: 27 ÷ 0.60 = 45.
Is bagged concrete as strong as ready-mix?
Yes — standard bagged mixes are 4,000 psi, the same as typical residential ready-mix. The difference is cost and labor, not strength.
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