Post Hole Concrete Calculator

Calculate how many bags of concrete to buy for fence posts, deck posts, and mailbox posts. Get bags per hole and total weight estimate.

Last updated: April 12, 2026

Enter Hole & Post Size

Rule: 3× post diameter
Quick:
Estimate cost

Order Summary

10
Total bags to buy
80lb bags
1
Bags per hole
Each post
5.28
Total concrete
cu ft
Total posts:10
Concrete per hole:0.528 cu ft
Total volume:0.2 cu yd
Total weight:800 lbs
Recommended: Buy 11 bags (+10% for spillage)
Total weight: 800 lbs. Consider store delivery for orders over 500 lbs.

Worked Examples

4×4 Fence Post
8" hole × 24" deep · 10 posts · 80lb bags
1
Bags per hole
10
Total bags
800 lbs
Total weight

A standard 6-foot fence with 10 posts needs about 10 bags of 80lb concrete. Add 1-2 extra bags for spillage.

6×6 Deck Post
10" hole × 36" deep · 8 posts · 60lb bags
3
Bags per hole
24
Total bags
1,440 lbs
Total weight

Deck posts need deeper holes and larger diameter. Consider store delivery for orders over 500 lbs.

Post Hole Sizing: Rule of Thumb

Two simple rules for sizing your post holes correctly. Following these ensures your posts have enough concrete support and won't shift over time.

Hole diameter = 3× post diameter

For a 4×4 post (3.5" actual), use an 8" to 10" diameter hole. This gives about 2" of concrete around the post for proper support.

Hole depth = ⅓ fence height

A 6-foot fence needs at least a 24" deep hole. In cold climates, dig below the frost line to prevent winter heaving.

Add 10% for spillage

Concrete settles and some spills during pouring. Buy 1-2 extra bags to avoid running short mid-project.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a standard 4×4 post in an 8-inch diameter hole that is 24 inches deep, you need about 1 bag of 80lb concrete per hole. For 10 posts, buy 10-12 bags to account for spillage.
A general rule is to bury ⅓ to ½ of the post's above-ground height. For a 6-foot fence, dig holes 24 to 36 inches deep. In cold climates, dig below the frost line.
The hole diameter should be about 3 times the post width. A 4×4 post (actually 3.5") needs an 8-inch to 10-inch diameter hole.

Related calculators