Fence planning guide

How Many Bags of Concrete per Fence Post?

The answer depends on the diameter and concrete depth of the post hole. This chart compares common round-hole sizes using approximate bag yields of 0.30 ft³ for a 40 lb bag, 0.45 ft³ for a 60 lb bag and 0.60 ft³ for an 80 lb bag.

Concrete bags per post chart

Hole sizeConcrete volume40 lb bags60 lb bags80 lb bags
8 in × 24 in0.70 ft³322
8 in × 36 in1.05 ft³432
10 in × 24 in1.09 ft³432
10 in × 36 in1.64 ft³643
12 in × 24 in1.57 ft³643
12 in × 36 in2.36 ft³864
12 in × 48 in3.14 ft³1176
14 in × 36 in3.21 ft³1186
16 in × 36 in4.19 ft³14107

Bag yields are planning assumptions and can vary by product. Always use the yield printed on the concrete mix you purchase.

Example: 12-inch hole, 36 inches deep

A cylindrical hole 12 inches in diameter and 36 inches deep has about 2.36 cubic feet of volume before accounting for the volume occupied by the post itself. Using the conservative full-hole method shown here, that rounds up to about 4 × 80 lb bags, 6 × 60 lb bags or 8 × 40 lb bags.

Calculate your actual posts

Enter your hole diameter, concrete depth, number of posts and extra-material allowance.

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Why your real quantity can differ

The post itself displaces some concrete, while irregular or over-dug holes can use more. Hole dimensions should be selected for the fence, soil, frost conditions and local requirements—not from this bag-count chart alone.

Planning an entire fence? The BuildGauge Fence Calculator estimates posts, rails, pickets, gates, concrete and fasteners together.