FenceCalc

How much concrete per fence post?

Enter the post count, hole size and post size.

Post holes

You get the bags to buy: with the volume the post itself displaces already taken off.

Worked example: 14 posts, 12 in holes, 30 in deep

A 6x6 post is 5.5 in square, and it displaces a meaningful share of a 12 in hole. Deducting it is the difference between finishing the job with bags to spare and driving back to the store.

Hole volume1.96 cu ft each
Post volume displaced0.53 cu ft each (27%)
Concrete per hole1.44 cu ft
Total for 14 posts22.15 cu ft (627 litres)
50 lb bags74 bags
Weight to carry3,212 lb

The two mistakes that cost the most

Ignoring the post

The post displaces roughly a fifth of the hole. On a thirteen-post fence that is several bags. The calculator deducts it, which is the only reason the number here is lower than a simple cylinder calculation would give.

Mixing it too wet

Post concrete should be mixed stiff: just enough water to hold together when you squeeze a handful. A sloppy mix is weaker, shrinks as it dries and pulls away from the post, which is exactly the gap water and frost get into. Pour it dry-ish, then tamp it as you fill with a length of scrap timber, working it around the post to close voids.

Finishing the hole

Slope the top of the concrete away from the post so water runs off rather than pooling at the base. Stop the concrete about an inch above the surrounding soil so the base of the post stays dry. If you are in a very wet spot, a small gravel layer at the bottom of the hole gives water somewhere to go, though the concrete still needs to bear on undisturbed soil rather than on the gravel.

When to buy bulk instead

Bagged concrete is the practical choice up to about a pallet. Past that, the bags are heavy enough that a delivered mix or a bulk bag of ballast and a mixer works out cheaper and easier. The calculator reports the pallet count so you can see where you land.

Frequently asked questions

How many bags of concrete for a fence post?
About 5.3 50 lb bags per post for a 6x6 in a 12 in hole 30 in deep, once the post volume is deducted.
Should I put gravel in the bottom of a fence post hole?
A little helps drainage in wet ground, but the concrete must bear on undisturbed soil. Do not fill the hole with gravel and set the post on top of it.
Do I need concrete for every fence post?
Corner, end and gate posts need it. On a long straight run with well-draining soil, some builders tamp soil around line posts instead: it holds well and saves a great deal of concrete, but the posts are harder to replace later.
How wet should fence post concrete be?
Stiff: just enough water to hold together in your hand. It should be noticeably drier than a slab mix, and you tamp it as you fill.

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