This calculator gives you Quikrete bag counts for any size project. Same volume math as the generic concrete calculator — just with Quikrete-specific yields per bag.
Quikrete bag yields
order = volume × 1.10
bags = volume × bags_per_yard
| Quikrete product | Bag size | Yield per bag | Bags per cu yd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quikrete Concrete Mix | 60 lb | 0.45 cu ft | 60 |
| Quikrete Concrete Mix | 80 lb | 0.60 cu ft | 45 |
| Quikrete 5000 (high strength) | 60 lb | 0.45 cu ft | 60 |
| Quikrete 5000 | 80 lb | 0.60 cu ft | 45 |
| Quikrete Fast-Setting | 50 lb | 0.375 cu ft | 72 |
| Quikrete Crack Resistant | 80 lb | 0.60 cu ft | 45 |
Which Quikrete product?
| Application | Best Quikrete product |
|---|---|
| Patio slab | Quikrete 5000 (80 lb) |
| Sidewalk | Quikrete 5000 (80 lb) |
| Driveway | Quikrete 5000 (80 lb) — but ready-mix is cheaper above 1 cu yd |
| Garage floor | Quikrete 5000 (80 lb) |
| Footings | Quikrete 5000 (80 lb) |
| Setting fence posts | Quikrete Fast-Setting (50 lb) |
| Setting mailbox | Quikrete Fast-Setting (50 lb) |
| Cold weather pour | Quikrete Q-Max Pro |
| High freeze-thaw | Quikrete Crack Resistant |
Quikrete pricing reference (2026)
Approximate retail at Home Depot / Lowe’s:
| Product | Bag size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quikrete Concrete Mix | 60 lb | $4.00 |
| Quikrete Concrete Mix | 80 lb | $5.50 |
| Quikrete 5000 | 60 lb | $5.00 |
| Quikrete 5000 | 80 lb | $7.00 |
| Quikrete Fast-Setting | 50 lb | $6.00 |
Quikrete typically runs $0.25-0.75 more per bag than Sakrete for equivalent products. Both perform identically — pick whichever is cheaper at your local store.
When to switch from bags to ready-mix
| Volume | Quikrete bags | Ready-mix delivered |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25 cu yd | 11 × 80 lb @ $7 = $77 | $200 minimum |
| 0.5 cu yd | 23 × 80 lb @ $7 = $161 | $200 minimum |
| 1 cu yd | 45 × 80 lb @ $7 = $315 | $200-250 ✓ |
| 2 cu yd | 90 × 80 lb @ $7 = $630 | $300-350 ✓ |
Above 1 cubic yard, ready-mix wins on price AND saves 3+ hours of mixing labor.
Mixing Quikrete properly
For Quikrete 5000, use 0.4-0.5 gallons of water per 60 lb bag. The mix should be plastic but not soupy — when you scoop a handful, it should hold its shape with the imprint of your fingers visible.
Don’t add extra water to make it easier to pour. Every additional cup of water reduces final strength by ~5%. If the mix is too stiff to work, mix it longer rather than adding water.
For Quikrete Fast-Setting in post holes: dump the dry mix in, pour water on top, do not pre-mix. The product is engineered to absorb water through the dry mass and set in 30 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of Quikrete in a yard?
60 lb bags: 60 bags. 80 lb bags: 45 bags. 50 lb Fast-Setting: 72 bags. The calculator gives cubic yards — multiply by the bag count for your bag size.
Quikrete 5000 vs Concrete Mix — which one?
Quikrete 5000 is a higher-strength (5000 PSI) commercial-grade mix for slabs, footings, and structural work. Quikrete Concrete Mix is a lower-strength (~3500 PSI) general-purpose mix. Use 5000 for anything load-bearing; Concrete Mix is fine for setting posts or small repairs.
Can I mix Quikrete dry in a post hole?
Only with Quikrete Fast-Setting — that product is designed to set when water is poured on top. Standard Quikrete Concrete Mix needs to be mixed in a wheelbarrow or mixer first. Using regular Quikrete dry-in-hole produces weak, crumbly concrete.
How long until Quikrete sets?
Standard Quikrete: 24-48 hours to walk on, 7 days to drive on, 28 days to full strength. Quikrete Fast-Setting: 30 minutes initial set, 4 hours to walk on, 7 days to full strength.
When does ready-mix beat Quikrete bags?
Above 1 cubic yard (about 45 × 80 lb bags = $315+). Ready-mix delivery is $200-250 for the same volume, plus you avoid 3+ hours of mixing labor.