Pier Footing Calculator
Calculate pier footing volume, bags and weight — cubic yards/feet, 40/60/80-lb bags vs ready-mix, weight and cost with density and waste. Enter dimensions, select units and add waste to get instant, supplier-ready numbers.
Enter dimensions above to calculate
- Enter values to see step-by-step substitution.
Engineering Assumptions:
- Use the diameter, not the radius.
- A form diameter estimates concrete volume; it does not select an adequate footing size or embedment.
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TOP VIEW — Diameter × Height / depth
SECTION — Number of identical cylinders 4in
What Is This Calculator?
The Pier Footing Calculator — Estimates foundation excavation, footings and walls for US homes — volume, concrete and cost.
What Does It Calculate?
- Footing volume in cubic yards
- Foundation wall area and concrete
- Excavation volume with waste
How to Use the Calculator
- Measure Strip footing 40 ft x 16 in wide x 8 in deep — use feet for length/width and inches for thickness where typical.
- Enter values and select units. The calculator converts to feet before calculating (inches /12, yards x3).
- Adjust waste % and optional price, then click Calculate. Results show with waste included.
- Use Reset to clear and try another size.
Formula & Engineering Methodology
V = π × (diameter / 2)² × height × quantity
- L — Footing length
- W — Width
- D — Depth
All units convert to exact standard engineering dimensions (NIST SP 811) before calculation to ensure consistency between US Customary and Metric measurements.
Worked Example
Example: Strip footing 40 ft x 16 in wide x 8 in deep
| STEP | VALUE |
|---|---|
| Convert | 16 in=1.333 ft, 8 in=0.667 ft |
| Volume | 40*1.333*0.667 = 35.56 ft3 = 1.32 yd3 |
| With waste | 1.45 yd3 |
Construction Information
Material: Footings 8–12 in thick, walls 8 in. Concrete 3000–4000 psi. Footing below frost line per local code.
Footings below frost line per code. Call 811 before dig.
Material Information
Footings 8–12 in thick, walls 8 in. Concrete 3000–4000 psi. Footing below frost line per local code.
Waste & Overages
Add 10% for over-excavation and slough — trench sides cave.
Practical Tips
- Call 811 before digging
- Keep footings on undisturbed soil or compacted fill
Common Mistakes
- Shallow footings above frost line — heave
- Not adding extra for footing flares
Assumptions & Engineering References
- Use the diameter, not the radius.
- A form diameter estimates concrete volume; it does not select an adequate footing size or embedment.
This calculator provides an estimate based on your inputs. Actual requirements vary by site, material and installation. For code-regulated or load-bearing work, consult a qualified professional.
Calculations run 100% in your browser — zero tracking of your dimensions or input data.
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Frequently asked questions
What does the Pier Footing Calculator calculate?
The Pier Footing Calculator estimates pier footing quantity for US jobs — Footing volume in cubic yards, Foundation wall area and concrete, Excavation volume with waste. Enter dimensions, choose units, add waste and price to get instant results.
How do I measure for pier footing?
Measure strip footing 40 ft x 16 in wide x 8 in deep on site. Use the unit selectors — the tool converts inches→feet (÷12) and yards→feet (×3) before math. For non-rectangular, split into rectangles and add.
How much waste should I add?
Add 10% for over-excavation and slough — trench sides cave.
How accurate is this pier footing estimate?
Math is exact for your inputs. Actual needs vary by site, material and installation. Add 5–10% waste for rectangular, 10–15% for irregular.
About Calculator Street
Built by Vipul Otari for US homeowners & contractors. Calculator inputs are processed in your browser. Estimates depend on your measurements, product specifications and the assumptions shown on this page. Confirm order quantities with your supplier and structural requirements with your project designer. Page updated: 2026-09-11.