Material calculator

Concrete footing & sonotube calculator

Estimate the concrete for round column footings — deck piers, fence-post tubes, Sonotube forms — in cubic feet, cubic yards, and 60/80 lb bags. Enter the tube diameter, the pour depth, and how many footings.

Adjust these to match your project.

in

Common deck-pier tubes are 8–12 in; your local code sets the required size.

in

Footings usually extend below the local frost line.

footings
%

10% overage covers tube bulging at the base, spillage, and slightly over-deep holes.

You'll need

0.53 cubic yards

Concrete (ready-mix)

Total volume
14.4 cubic feet
Per footing
2.18 cubic feet
80 lb bags
24 bags
60 lb bags
32 bags

What this assumes

  • Volume = π × (10 in ÷ 2)² × 48 in × 6 footing(s), +10% overage.
  • Round-column volume; bag counts use published yields: 80 lb ≈ 0.60 ft³, 60 lb ≈ 0.45 ft³.
  • A flared base (a bell or a Bigfoot-style form) adds volume not counted here.
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Coverage rates & sources

Every number this calculator uses is a published engineering constant — not an estimate we made up. Here is exactly what it assumes and where each value comes from.

  • 80 lb bag yield: 0.60 ft³Source: Quikrete / Sakrete concrete mix bag specifications
  • 60 lb bag yield: 0.45 ft³Source: Quikrete / Sakrete concrete mix bag specifications
  • Cylinder volume: π × r² × heightSource: Geometry — volume of a right circular cylinder
  • Cubic yard: 27 ft³Source: Unit conversion (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft)

Before you buy

  • Round footings only — for square, stepped, or bell-shaped footings, add the extra volume separately.
  • Does not size the footing. Diameter, depth, and frost-line depth are set by local code and the structural load — confirm with your building department.
  • Does not include rebar, anchor hardware, or gravel below the footing.

This is a planning estimate, not a substitute for a pro's on-site measurement. For load-bearing, structural, or code-regulated work, confirm quantities with a licensed contractor.

Frequently asked

How deep should a deck footing be?

Below the local frost line, which varies by region — often 36–48 inches in cold climates. Your building department sets the requirement; this calculator only estimates the concrete once you know the depth.

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