How Many Bags of Concrete for Fence Posts?
November 5, 2025
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How Many Bags of Concrete for Fence Posts?
When you’re setting fence posts, whether it’s a farm boundary or backyard privacy fence, one question always comes up — how many bags of concrete will I need per post?
Getting this number right saves you from running short halfway down the line or overspending on unused mix. As a rule of thumb, you can expect to use anywhere from 1 to 4 bags per post, depending on hole size, post diameter, and soil type.
This guide walks you through the math, field tips, and ready-to-use tables for estimating concrete bag counts for fence posts of all sizes.
Understanding What You’re Pouring Around
Each fence post sits in a cylindrical hole that’s filled with concrete. The hole must be wide and deep enough to stabilize the post under load and resist frost movement or wind pressure.
Typical post-hole sizing guidelines:
- Hole depth — ⅓ to ½ of the post’s above-ground height.
Example: A 6 ft tall fence post should sit at least 2–3 ft deep. - Hole diameter — usually 3× the post diameter.
Example: A 4" × 4" post (actual 3.5") needs about a 10–12" diameter hole.
This gives you enough concrete around the post to form a solid anchor.
Step-by-Step: Calculating Concrete Volume for a Post
The post-hole volume is a cylinder, so we use the standard formula:
Volume = π × r² × h
Where:
- r = radius in feet (half the diameter)
- h = hole depth in feet
- π = 3.1416
Example 1 — 4"×4" post, 10" diameter hole, 2.5 ft deep
- Diameter = 10" = 0.833 ft → radius = 0.416 ft
- Depth = 2.5 ft
Volume = 3.1416 × (0.416)² × 2.5 = 1.36 ft³
So, one 10"×2.5 ft post hole holds about 1.36 cubic feet of concrete.
Step 2 — Convert Volume to Bag Counts
Now divide that volume by the yield per bag.
| Bag Size | Yield (ft³) | Bags per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|---|
| 40 lb | 0.30 | 90 |
| 50 lb | 0.375 | 72 |
| 60 lb | 0.45 | 60 |
| 80 lb | 0.60 | 45 |
Formula: Bags = Hole Volume ÷ Bag Yield
Using our 1.36 ft³ example:
- For 40 lb bags → 1.36 ÷ 0.30 = 4.53 → 5 bags
- For 60 lb bags → 1.36 ÷ 0.45 = 3.02 → 3 bags
- For 80 lb bags → 1.36 ÷ 0.60 = 2.26 → 3 bags
So, for each 4×4 post in a 10"×2.5 ft hole, plan for about 3 of the 60 or 80 lb bags.
Quick Reference Table — Bags per Fence Post
The table below gives you a quick field guide for estimating bag counts per post. These values assume typical round holes, filled to top level.
| Hole Diameter (in) | Depth (ft) | 40 lb Bags | 50 lb Bags | 60 lb Bags | 80 lb Bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8" | 2' | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 8" | 2.5' | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| 10" | 2' | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 10" | 2.5' | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| 12" | 2' | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| 12" | 3' | 7 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| 14" | 3' | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| 16" | 3' | 13 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
Tip: Always round up to the next full bag. Concrete settles, absorbs moisture, and you’ll lose a little when mixing or pouring.
Example 2 — Line of Posts
Say you’re installing a 50 ft long fence with posts spaced 8 ft apart.
That’s about 7 posts total.
If each post uses a 10" diameter × 2.5 ft deep hole and you’re using 60 lb bags (≈0.45 ft³ each):
Volume per post = 1.36 ft³ Total volume = 1.36 × 7 = 9.52 ft³ Bags needed = 9.52 ÷ 0.45 = 21.1 → round to 22 bags
Result: 22 bags of 60 lb mix will handle the full 7-post fence line.
You can check this instantly with the Concrete Bags Calculator, which automatically applies these same formulas.
Step 3 — Choose the Right Mix
For fence posts, strength and setting speed matter more than finish quality.
| Mix Type | Strength (psi) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Fast-Setting Mix | 2500–3000 | Fence posts, small anchors |
| General Purpose | 3000–3500 | Post footings, light structural |
| High-Strength | 4000–5000 | Heavy gates, wind zones, deck footings |
| Crack-Resistant Mix | 3500–4000 | Posts exposed to freeze–thaw cycles |
- Fast-Setting Mix: Ideal for most fences — add water directly in the hole and set posts quickly.
- High-Strength Mix: Better for large gate posts, retaining fences, or high-wind areas.
- Crack-Resistant Mix: Good choice for cold climates or clay soils that expand and contract.
Pro Tips / Field Notes
- Avoid overfilling. Leave the top of the concrete slightly below grade for turf or mulch cover.
- Taper the top edge. Slope the surface away from the post to shed water and prevent rot.
- Brace posts vertically. Use a level and two boards to hold the post plumb until the concrete sets.
- Check hole shape. Round holes distribute load evenly — square holes may create stress points.
- Soil condition matters. In sandy soil, use wider holes for stability. In clay, ensure drainage or use gravel at the base.
- Don’t overwater. Add only enough water to make the mix workable — excess water weakens the set.
- For large projects, plan bag quantities by total yardage:
1 yd³ = 27 ft³ = 45 of the 80 lb bags
This helps when mixing with a portable drum or delivery mixer.
Quick Reference — Bag Mix per Hole Depth
| Hole Depth (ft) | 8" Dia | 10" Dia | 12" Dia | 14" Dia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 | 1.0 ft³ | 1.3 ft³ | 2.0 ft³ | 2.6 ft³ |
| 2.5 | 1.3 ft³ | 1.6 ft³ | 2.6 ft³ | 3.4 ft³ |
| 3.0 | 1.6 ft³ | 2.0 ft³ | 3.1 ft³ | 4.1 ft³ |
To convert these volumes into bag counts, divide by your bag yield (0.45 for 60 lb, 0.60 for 80 lb).
Related Guides
- Sonotube Bags of Concrete
- Slab Bags of Concrete
- Understanding Concrete Bag Coverage and Yield
- Reference Guide — Calculating Bags of Concrete for Any Project
Visit Concrete Calculator Max for all calculators, tables, and construction insights.
Conclusion
Estimating concrete for fence posts is straightforward when you treat each hole as a small cylinder. Measure the diameter and depth, calculate the volume, and divide by the bag yield. For standard 4×4 posts in 10" holes, you’ll usually need 2–3 bags per post, depending on the mix size.
Always add a few extra bags for contingencies — concrete is cheap insurance against a delayed project.
You can double-check your math anytime with the Concrete Bags Calculator — it saves time, errors, and guesswork on site.