/** Concrete post holes quantity calculator. */
public static function holes( $atts ) {
self::enqueue();
$atts = shortcode_atts( array( 'source' => '' ), $atts );
$uid = wp_unique_id( 'hicc-holes-' );
ob_start();
?>
Interactive Step-by-Step Estimator
Concrete for post holes Instant Free Planning Tool
1 Hole Sizing 2 Post & Base Options 3 Quantity & Bags
STEP 3 OF 3 Concrete Quantity & Bag Takeoff
Volume per hole -
Total volume -
Bags (60 / 80 lb) -
Bag cost -
Component Amount Volume per hole - Total volume - 50 lb Fast-Setting bags (Quikrete Red) - 60 lb Standard concrete bags - 80 lb Heavy-Duty concrete bags - Estimated material cost -
For large projects (>1.5 cu yd), ordering ready-mix or short-load delivery is often cheaper and eliminates hand mixing 50+ bags.
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Default prices last verified: August 14, 2026
Replace the defaults with a local quote when available.
View public source Bags of concrete per fence post hole The table below shows how many 60-pound bags a single round post hole needs at two common depths. Wider holes add concrete fast: a 12-inch hole at 36 inches deep uses about three times the mix of a 6-inch hole at 30 inches deep, so diameter matters as much as depth.
Hole diameter Bags per hole at 30″ depth Bags per hole at 36″ depth 6 inches 2 2 8 inches 2 3 10 inches 4 4 12 inches 5 6
For an 8-post fence line with 10-inch-diameter holes dug 30 inches deep, multiply 4 bags by 8 posts to reach about 32 bags total. At the typical $5 to $8 bag price, that is a materials budget of $160 to $256 before delivery or a rental mixer. In cold climates, dig below the frost line even if it pushes the hole to 36 inches or more; deeper holes mean a few extra bags per post.
What affects the price Hole diameter and depth: wider and deeper holes consume concrete quickly, and depth below the frost line is non-negotiable in cold climates.Bag size: 80-pound bags cost a little more per bag but carry about one-third more yield, so fewer bags are needed for the same hole.Number of posts: the total scales almost linearly with post count, so a 16-post fence doubles the bag budget above.Delivery and mixing: bag delivery fees or a mixer rental add about $30 to $100 depending on order size and rental duration.What the estimate includes and does not include The calculator estimate covers concrete mix bags only, based on hole dimensions, depth, and post count, priced at your bag cost. It does not include posts, gravel base, concrete forms, delivery charges, mixer rental, labor, or disposal of excavated soil. Digging holes and setting posts is typically the largest extra cost and is not part of this estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Bags vs. ready-mix delivery — which is cheaper? For anything above roughly one cubic yard of concrete, ready-mix delivery is usually cheaper and far less labor. Small fence jobs rarely cross that line, so bags are normally the right call.
Should fence posts be set in concrete or gravel? Concrete is standard for load-bearing and long-span fences because it resists frost heave and leaning. Gravel works for some temporary or light-duty posts but provides far less lateral support.
How deep should fence posts be set? Set posts about one-third of their length deep and below the local frost line. A 6-foot post typically needs a hole 24 to 30 inches deep in most regions.
Does fence post concrete need rebar? No. Residential fence posts do not need rebar because the concrete mainly anchors the post. Structural columns are a different case and usually do require reinforcement.
Related tools Sources and update policy Prices last verified: August 14, 2026. These are planning estimates, not contractor quotes. Verify pricing with licensed local contractors before construction.
Estimate transparency
How this estimate was prepared
Prepared by GoHomeCost Cost Data Team
Last reviewed August 24, 2026
Update cycle Public price inputs checked monthly Calculation method: Project quantity is multiplied by editable low, typical, and high unit rates. Selected location adjustments, waste, fixed charges, and minimum-job rules are then applied and shown in the result.
Public references used on this page:
This is a planning estimate, not a quote or structural specification. Check product yields, local code, site conditions, and written contractor bids before purchasing materials or building.
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