Concrete Bag Calculator

Find out exactly how many bags of concrete you need — for slabs, patios, and fence post holes.

Calculate Concrete Bags

Select your project type, enter the dimensions, and we'll tell you exactly how many bags to buy.

Shed base = 0.10m, Garage = 0.15m

Your Concrete Requirements

Total Volume
Bags Needed
bags
Est. Material Cost
approx.

Get Your Free UK Home Improvement Cost Guide

We'll send you our 2026 UK materials price guide covering concrete, brickwork, roofing and more — so you can budget accurately before you buy.

Where to Buy Concrete Bags in the UK

Once you have your bag count, use these suppliers to compare prices. Postcrete and ready-mix bags vary in price — buying in bulk from a builders merchant is usually cheaper than DIY stores for large projects.

SupplierWhat They StockBest For
Wickes Postcrete, ready-mix concrete 20kg & 25kg, sharp sand Trade pricing, bulk orders
B&Q Ready-mix concrete bags, Postcrete, ballast UK-wide stores, same-day collection
Amazon UK Tarmac Postcrete 20kg — sets in 10 mins, UK #1 for fence posts Most popular fast-set concrete, Prime delivery

Links marked above are affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only link to reputable UK suppliers.

Concrete Bag Coverage Reference (2026 UK Prices)

Use this table to quickly estimate how many bags you need for common project sizes.

Bag Size Yield per Bag (m³) Bags per m³ Price per Bag (2026)
20kg Ready-Mix~0.009 m³~110 bags£5.50
25kg Ready-Mix~0.011 m³~90 bags£6.50
20kg Postcrete (fast-set)~0.009 m³~110 bags£6.50

How to Use This Concrete Calculator

For Slabs and Patios

Measure the length and width of the area in metres. For the depth (thickness), a standard shed base is 100mm (0.10m), a driveway is 150mm (0.15m), and a garage floor is 150–200mm. Enter the depth in metres — so 100mm = 0.10m.

For Fence Post Holes

Measure or estimate the diameter of the hole you plan to dig. A standard spade-dug hole is typically 150–200mm wide. The depth should be at least one-third of the post height above ground — so for a 1.8m fence post, dig at least 600mm deep. Enter the number of holes and the calculator will give you the total bags needed.

Always Add 10% Extra

This calculator includes a 10% buffer automatically. Concrete volume calculations can be affected by uneven ground, spillage, and slight variations in mix water content. Having a spare bag or two on hand prevents a frustrating trip back to the builder's merchant mid-pour.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many 20kg bags of concrete make 1 cubic metre?
Approximately 110 bags of 20kg ready-mix concrete are needed to make 1 cubic metre (1m³) of concrete. Each 20kg bag yields roughly 0.009m³ of mixed concrete. For a 25kg bag, you need approximately 90 bags per m³, as each bag yields around 0.011m³.
How much concrete do I need for a fence post?
For a standard 100mm diameter fence post hole, 600mm deep, you need approximately 0.005m³ of concrete — roughly 1 bag of Postcrete or half a 20kg bag of ready-mix. For a 150mm diameter hole at 750mm depth, allow 2–3 bags. Always fill the hole to at least one-third the post height above ground.
What is the mix ratio for standard concrete?
For general purpose concrete (foundations, slabs, paths), the standard mix ratio is 1 part cement : 2 parts sharp sand : 4 parts aggregate (1:2:4) by volume. For a stronger structural mix (C25/C30), use 1:1.5:3. Ready-mix bags already contain the correct proportions — just add water.
How thick should a concrete slab be for a shed?
For a garden shed base, a concrete slab should be a minimum of 100mm (10cm) thick. For a larger garage or workshop, increase this to 150mm (15cm). If the ground is soft or poorly drained, lay a 100mm compacted hardcore sub-base first before pouring the concrete.
Can I mix concrete in the rain?
Avoid mixing or pouring concrete in heavy rain. Rain adds uncontrolled water to the mix, which weakens the final concrete by increasing the water-to-cement ratio. Light drizzle is less of a concern once the concrete is poured and covered. Always protect freshly poured concrete with polythene sheeting if rain is forecast.
How long does Postcrete take to set?
Postcrete (fast-setting post mix concrete) sets in approximately 10–20 minutes and is strong enough to support a fence post within 24 hours. Standard ready-mix concrete takes 24–48 hours to set sufficiently for light loads, and achieves full strength (28-day cure) after approximately 28 days.