Ready-Mix vs Bags of Concrete
Bags win on small, spread-out pours; ready-mix wins on volume and consistency. The break-even is about one cubic yard.
Bags: small and flexible
Bagged concrete needs no truck access and no minimum order — ideal for fence posts, small pads and repairs. But mixing is labor, batch consistency varies, and the cost per cubic foot is higher than ready-mix.
Ready-mix: volume and consistency
A truck delivers a uniform mix fast, which matters for slabs and driveways that must be poured in one continuous go. The trade-off is minimum-order and short-load fees and the need for truck access. Use the calculator to compare bag count vs yardage for your job.
FAQ
Is ready-mix cheaper than bags?
Per cubic yard, yes — above roughly one cubic yard ready-mix is cheaper and far less labor. Below that, bags are simpler and can be cheaper after delivery fees.
When do I need ready-mix?
For slabs and driveways that must be poured continuously, and any pour above about a cubic yard.