📐 Project Size
💰 Pricing Options
Bagged Concrete Total
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Ready-Mix Total
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Cu Yards
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Bags Needed
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Project Area
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sq ft
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Bagged Concrete vs. Ready-Mix: The Real Comparison
| Bagged Concrete | Ready-Mix Delivery | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (material) | ~$6.50/bag × 45 bags/cu yd = ~$290/cu yd | $150–200/cu yd delivered |
| Labor intensity | Very high — mix every bag individually | Low — pour and finish only |
| Minimum quantity | Any amount | Usually 1 yard minimum |
| Best for | Under 0.5–1 cu yard (post holes, small repairs) | Over 1 cu yard (slabs, driveways) |
| Quality consistency | Varies with mixing — easy to over-water | Consistent PSI from plant |
| Time requirement | Hours of mixing labor | Pour in 20–40 minutes |
The crossover point is typically 1–1.5 cubic yards. Above that, ready-mix almost always wins on total cost and definitely wins on labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use ready-mix vs. bagged concrete?
Use bagged concrete for small projects under 1 cubic yard — post holes, small slabs, repairs. Use ready-mix for anything larger. At 1 cubic yard, ready-mix delivered runs $150–200 vs. $290+ in bags — and eliminates hours of mixing labor. For a 10×10 slab (1.23 cu yds), ready-mix is almost always the right choice.
How much does ready-mix concrete cost?
Ready-mix concrete costs $150–200 per cubic yard in most US markets (2024–2025), plus a delivery fee of $75–150 for small loads. Many plants charge a short-load fee for orders under 3–5 cubic yards. Prices vary significantly by region and time of year — always call local plants for current pricing.