Concrete Tube Calculator
Plan your concrete pier and footing projects with precision. Enter your tube diameter, height, and quantity to get the exact concrete volume needed in cubic feet, cubic yards, and the number of 60lb or 80lb bags required.
Common sizes: 6", 8", 10", 12", 14", 16", 18", 24"
Height from bottom of footing to top of pier
V = π × (d/2)² × h
In feet: d (in) ÷ 12 = d (ft)
r = d/2
V = π × r² × h
Total Volume:
Total Cu Ft = V × Number of Tubes
Total Cu Yd = Total Cu Ft ÷ 27
With 10% waste: Total × 1.10
r = 6″ = 0.5′
V per tube = π × 0.5² × 4 = 3.14 cu ft
Total Volume = 3.14 × 6 = 18.84 cu ft
Cubic Yards = 18.84 ÷ 27 = 0.70 cu yds
With 10% waste = 0.77 cu yds
80lb bags needed = 18.84 ÷ 0.6 = 32 bags
What size Sonotube should I use for a deck footing?
For standard residential deck footings, 8-inch or 10-inch diameter Sonotubes are common for supporting posts. A 12-inch diameter tube is used for larger decks or when required by local building codes. The tube should extend below the frost line (typically 36-48 inches deep) and rest on a wider footing pad.
How deep should a concrete tube footing be?
Footings must extend below the frost line to prevent frost heave. In northern climates, this ranges from 36 to 60 inches deep. In southern climates, 12 to 24 inches may be sufficient. Always check your local building code for the required frost depth in your area.
Can I use a concrete tube calculator for non-round forms?
This calculator is specifically designed for round tube forms (Sonotubes, Q-Deck, etc.). For square or rectangular columns, use a concrete column calculator instead. The formula differs because square forms require more concrete than round tubes of the same width.
How do I prevent the Sonotube from bursting when pouring concrete?
Backfill around the tube before pouring to provide lateral support. Ensure the tube is properly braced and vertical. For tubes over 24 inches in diameter, consider using heavy-duty forms or reducing the pour height in lifts. Wet concrete exerts approximately 150 lbs of pressure per foot of height.
🔗 Related Calculators
📐 Formula
V = π × (d/2)² × h
In feet: d (in) ÷ 12 = d (ft)
r = d/2
V = π × r² × h
Total Volume:
Total Cu Ft = V × Number of Tubes
Total Cu Yd = Total Cu Ft ÷ 27
With 10% waste: Total × 1.10
📝 Example Calculation
r = 6″ = 0.5′
V per tube = π × 0.5² × 4 = 3.14 cu ft
Total Volume = 3.14 × 6 = 18.84 cu ft
Cubic Yards = 18.84 ÷ 27 = 0.70 cu yds
With 10% waste = 0.77 cu yds
80lb bags needed = 18.84 ÷ 0.6 = 32 bags