Concrete Yield
Definition
Concrete yield is the actual volume of concrete produced from a given mix, expressed in cubic feet or cubic yards. Yield is calculated by dividing the total weight of all mixed ingredients by the unit weight of the fresh concrete (typically 140–150 lbs/cu ft for normal-weight concrete). An 80 lb bag of pre-mixed concrete yields approximately 0.6 cubic feet when mixed. Converting to practical terms: you need approximately 45 bags of 80 lb concrete mix to make one cubic yard, or 60 bags of 60 lb mix per cubic yard.
Why is Concrete Yield Important?
For homeowners, contractors, and DIY builders across the United States, understanding Concrete Yield is essential to accurate material estimation and cost planning. Whether you are pouring a concrete driveway, framing a deck, or calculating roofing materials, mastering this concept helps prevent costly over-ordering or project delays from material shortages.
Our free construction calculators leverage this concept to provide instant, accurate estimates — saving hours of manual measurement and arithmetic while ensuring your project stays on budget.
What is Concrete Yield?
Concrete yield is the actual volume of concrete produced from a given batch or bag of mix, measured in cubic feet or cubic yards. Understanding yield is critical for accurate material estimation.
Yield from Pre-Mixed Bags
| Bag Size | Yield per Bag | Bags per Cubic Yard | Approx. Cost per yd³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 lb bag | 0.30 cu ft | 90 bags | $350–$500 |
| 50 lb bag | 0.375 cu ft | 72 bags | $330–$450 |
| 60 lb bag | 0.45 cu ft | 60 bags | $300–$420 |
| 80 lb bag | 0.60 cu ft | 45 bags | $270–$360 |
Bags Needed Calculator Reference
| Slab Size (4" thick) | Cubic Feet | 80 lb Bags | 60 lb Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 × 2 ft | 1.33 | 3 | 3 |
| 4 × 4 ft | 5.33 | 9 | 12 |
| 4 × 8 ft | 10.67 | 18 | 24 |
| 6 × 6 ft | 12.00 | 20 | 27 |
| 10 × 10 ft | 33.33 | 56 | 74 |
For projects larger than ~1 cubic yard (45+ bags of 80 lb), ordering ready-mix concrete delivered by truck is more cost-effective ($125–$175/yd³ vs $270–$360/yd³ from bags) and produces more consistent results.
Ready-Mix Yield Considerations
- A standard mixer truck carries 8–10 cubic yards per load
- Minimum order is typically 1 cubic yard; orders under 4–5 yd³ incur a short-load surcharge ($40–$100 per yd³ under minimum)
- Always order 5–10% extra for waste, spillage, uneven subgrade, and over-excavation
- Ready-mix concrete must be placed within 90 minutes of batching (per ASTM C94), or 300 drum revolutions, whichever comes first