A worked example
A 10×10 ft slab at 4 inches thick needs about 1.23 cubic yards of concrete — exactly 56 bags of 80 lb premix.
Frequently asked questions
Why does bag count change so much with bag size?
An 80 lb bag yields about 0.6 cubic feet, a 60 lb bag about 0.45, and a 40 lb bag about 0.3 — roughly proportional to weight. Smaller bags mean more bags needed for the same total volume, plus more individual mixing.
Should I order exactly the calculated amount?
No — always add a margin. Uneven subgrade, form leaks, and minor spillage are normal, and running short mid-pour is a bigger problem than having a little extra. Many contractors add 5-10% on top of the calculated volume.
Bag yields shown are standard estimates — always verify against the yield printed on your specific bag, since fast-setting or fiber-reinforced mixes can vary.