A Quikrete 80 lb bag price is typically $5-$10, with many standard concrete mix bags around $6-$8 before tax. Project costs depend on the number of bags, local store pricing, delivery, surface preparation, and whether labor or tools are needed.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One 80 lb bag | $5 | $7 | $10 | Standard concrete mix, before tax |
| Mix cost per cubic foot | $8 | $12 | $17 | Based on roughly 0.6 cu ft yield per bag |
| 10 bags, materials only | $50 | $70 | $100 | Excludes delivery and tools |
| One pallet | $400 | $600 | $850 | Quantity and bag count vary by retailer |
Assumptions: Standard bagged concrete mix, U.S. retail pricing, and no sales tax.
What an 80 lb Quikrete bag costs at retail
Most shoppers pay about $5-$10 for an 80 lb bag of standard Quikrete concrete mix. A practical planning figure is $7 per bag, although prices can be lower during store promotions or higher in areas with limited supply. Specialty mixes, such as fast-setting or high-strength products, may cost more than a basic formulation.
For a small pickup project, budgeting $7-$9 per standard bag before tax is a reasonable starting point. At an estimated yield of 0.6 cubic feet, that retail range works out to roughly $8-$17 per cubic foot. Product labels and local shelf tags should be checked because the yield and price differ by mix type and retailer.
How bag price, labor, and delivery shape the quote
The bag itself is only one part of a poured-concrete budget. A contractor quote may include mixing and placement labor, delivery, tools, site preparation, and disposal. For a DIY job, labor is replaced by the buyer’s time and any rented equipment.
| Quote item | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete mix | $5-$10 | Per 80 lb bag | Mix type and store |
| Labor | $50-$100 | Per worker-hour | Access, mixing, and placement time |
| Small-tool rental | $40-$100 | Per day | Mixer size and rental market |
| Delivery | $50-$150 | Per order | Distance, minimum charge, and unloading |
| Forms and reinforcement | $1-$4 | Per sq ft of project | Form material and reinforcement needs |
For paid installation, labor and site work can exceed the cost of the bags on small jobs. These ranges are planning estimates; a written quote should show whether preparation, finishing, and cleanup are included.
Mix type, slab depth, and quantity change the total
Bag count is a major cost driver because each 80 lb bag yields about 0.6 cubic feet. A 4-inch-thick slab uses approximately 0.33 cubic feet per square foot, or about 1.8 square feet per bag before waste. Allowing roughly 5%-10% extra helps cover uneven ground, spillage, and small measuring errors.
Mix specifications matter too. Standard concrete mix is commonly chosen for general-purpose work, while fast-setting products can cost more but may reduce waiting time for certain repairs. A job requiring a specific strength or application should follow the product label or project specifications rather than choosing by price alone.
Depth errors can quickly add bags: a 4-inch pour uses about twice the concrete of a 2-inch layer over the same area. For a 10-by-10-foot area at 4 inches deep, the theoretical need is about 167 bags; with a modest waste allowance, planning for roughly 175-185 bags is more prudent.
Why 80 lb bag prices differ across U.S. regions
Retail prices often vary with freight, store competition, local construction demand, and seasonal inventory. In a large metro area with several home-improvement stores, a standard bag may fall near $5-$8. Rural locations or stores far from distribution centers may run about 10%-25% higher, particularly when the product must be brought in by special order.
Warm-weather construction seasons can also tighten inventory and reduce promotional pricing. Online listings may show a low unit price but add delivery charges or require a large order. Compare the delivered price per bag, not just the shelf or online sticker price.
How many bags do common concrete projects require
Coverage depends on thickness and the shape of the pour. The examples below use approximately 0.6 cubic feet per bag and do not include a waste allowance, so actual purchases should be rounded up.
| Project example | Estimated bags | Mix cost at $5-$10 per bag | Assumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two fence-post holes | 4-6 | $20-$60 | Hole dimensions vary by post and soil |
| 5-by-5-foot pad, 4 inches | 24-28 | $120-$280 | Includes a small quantity allowance |
| 10-by-10-foot slab, 4 inches | 175-185 | $875-$1,850 | Includes about 5%-10% extra |
Large pours require substantial mixing and handling, not just a larger material budget. For a slab approaching 100 square feet, compare bagged mix with ready-mix concrete pricing; access, minimum delivery charges, and the need to finish the pour quickly can affect which option is economical.
Delivery and site preparation can add more than expected
Individual bags are heavy: 80 lb each means 20 bags weigh 1,600 lb before pallets or packaging. Some retailers offer store pickup, while delivery fees may range from about $50-$150 or more depending on distance, order size, and unloading. A minimum delivery charge can make delivery costly for a small order.
Old concrete removal, digging, gravel base, forming, and reinforcement are separate expenses. Basic tool purchases or rentals can add roughly $40-$100, while difficult access, stairs, long carrying distances, or uneven excavation may increase labor time. Confirm whether a delivery quote includes curbside drop-off or placement near the work area.
Ways to lower the Quikrete project bill without waste
Measure the length, width, and depth carefully, then calculate volume before buying. For rectangular work, multiply dimensions in feet to find cubic feet; divide by about 0.6 to estimate 80 lb bags. Add a modest allowance, but avoid a large overage because unopened bags still tie up money and stored mix can be damaged by moisture.
Compare local stores by total price after delivery, and ask whether a pallet quantity changes the per-bag rate. Pick up bags in a suitable vehicle only within its payload limit, and plan the pour so mix is not left sitting after water is added. Accurate measurements, a realistic waste allowance, and a clear delivery plan usually save more than choosing a mix that is unsuitable for the job.