Bagged vs ready-mix concrete cost
The decision bag makers won't help with and ready-mix plants won't either: for your project size, which is actually cheaper? Enter your yardage and local prices.
Bagged
Ready-mix
The breakeven, in plain terms
The crossover between bagged and ready-mix concrete falls around 1 to 2 cubic yards in most U.S. markets. Below it, ready-mix minimums and delivery fees make bags cheaper. Above it, ready-mix material is roughly 30–50% cheaper per yard — and you save hours of mixing. This tool runs your exact numbers, since local prices and fees vary. Don't know your yardage yet? Start with the slab calculator.
Two things the raw cost comparison can't price: labor and time (a 3-yard bagged pour is a full day of mixing for one or two people) and quality (truck concrete is batched consistently; hand-mixed bags vary). Factor those in near the breakeven.
Worked example
Take a 1.5-yard pour, with 80 lb bags at $6.75 and ready-mix at $165/yd plus a $60 delivery fee (and an $80 short-load fee, since the order is under 4 yards). That's 68 bags at $6.75 = $459 bagged, versus 1.5 yd × $165 + $60 + $80 = $388 by truck:
Breakeven by pour size
| Concrete needed | Bagged cost | Ready-mix cost | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 yd | $155 (23 bags) | $305 | Bags |
| 1 yd | $304 (45 bags) | $305 | ≈ Tie |
| 1.5 yd | $459 (68 bags) | $388 | Truck |
| 2 yd | $608 (90 bags) | $470 | Truck |
| 3 yd | $911 (135 bags) | $635 | Truck |
| 5 yd | $1,519 (225 bags) | $885 | Truck |
The exact crossover shifts with your local prices and fees — which is why the calculator above uses your numbers — but the shape holds everywhere: bags win for small jobs, the truck wins past about a yard, and it widens fast from there.
FAQ
When is bagged concrete cheaper than ready-mix?
Generally under about 1 cubic yard. Below that, ready-mix delivery and short-load fees push the per-yard cost above bags. The crossover is lower than most people expect — often around a 12×16 patio at 4 inches.
When is ready-mix cheaper?
Usually above about 2 cubic yards. The per-yard material cost is much lower, and you avoid hours of mixing. Between 1 and 2 yards it's close, and time/labor often decides it.
What fees come with ready-mix?
Beyond the per-yard rate, expect a delivery fee and, for small orders (typically under 4 yards), a short-load fee. Fuel surcharges and Saturday/after-hours fees can apply too — confirm with your local plant.