Column Calculator

Calculate concrete volume for round or square columns and pier footings. Get results per column and totals in cubic feet, cubic yards, and bag counts.

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Column / Pier Calculator

Results

Volume (each)3.14 cu ft
Total Volume12.57 cu ft
Total Volume0.47 cu yd
60 lb Bags28 bags
80 lb Bags21 bags
ByPRIYA SHARMAโ€ขUpdated April 20, 2026
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Reviewed byDR. RAJIV NAIR
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Fact checked byNEHA KAPOOR

๐Ÿ’ก How to Calculate Concrete Column Volume

Round columns (Sonotubes) use the cylinder formula: ฯ€ ร— radiusยฒ ร— height. Square columns simply multiply side ร— side ร— height. Common residential applications include deck piers (8โ€“12 inch diameter), porch columns (12โ€“18 inch), and structural piers (18โ€“24 inch).

Sonotube forms are available in diameters from 6 to 48 inches. For frost-protected foundations, pier depth must extend below the frost line โ€” typically 36โ€“48 inches in northern climates. Most jurisdictions require a footing pad at the bottom that's wider than the column.

Four 12-inch round piers at 48 inches deep: volume per pier = ฯ€ ร— 0.5ยฒ ร— 4 = 3.14 cu ft. Total = 12.57 cu ft = 0.47 cu yd โ‰ˆ 21 bags of 80 lb concrete.

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