Inputs to result
Volume (cu ft) = π × (diameter in inches ÷ 12)² ÷ 4 × height in feet × column count; cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27.
Concrete & Masonry
Concrete Column Calculator
Calculate cubic feet and cubic yards for identical round concrete columns or Sonotube piers using diameter, height, count, and allowance.
Enter the formed round diameter, height and column count. The calculator uses cylindrical volume and gives a separate allowance quantity.
Calculation and worked example reviewed 2026-11-12. See our calculation methodology.
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Concrete & Masonry
US UNITSEnter your measurements
YOUR ESTIMATE
0.98 cu yd to plan0.93 cu yd geometry25.13 cu ft for 4 round columns.
5% order allowance shown separately.
Formula and example
How this calculation works
This estimator converts your entered jobsite inputs (column diameter, column height, number of columns, order allowance) into consistent US trade units, computes the exact geometric baseline first, and then applies any selected waste or order allowance so you can verify both numbers before purchasing materials.
How does the concrete column calculator formula work?
Volume (cu ft) = π × (diameter in inches ÷ 12)² ÷ 4 × height in feet × column count; cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27.
(Concrete Column Calculator)where:
- Column diameter – Entered in in (default reference: 12 in);
- Column height – Entered in ft (default reference: 8 ft);
- Number of columns – Entered in columns (default reference: 4 columns);
- Order allowance – Entered in % (default reference: 5 %);
Check the math
Four columns, each 12 in in diameter and 8 ft high, contain about 25.13 cu ft or 0.93 cu yd geometrically.
Quick lookup chart
Round Concrete Column & Sonotube Volume per 8 ft Height
Exact cylindrical volume for a single 8 ft high round column and a 4-column group.
| Tube Diameter | 1 Column (cu ft) | 4 Columns (cu yd) | 4 Columns (80 lb Bags) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 in diameter | 2.79 cu ft | 0.41 cu yd | 19 bags |
| 10 in diameter | 4.36 cu ft | 0.65 cu yd | 30 bags |
| 12 in diameter | 6.28 cu ft | 0.93 cu yd | 42 bags |
| 16 in diameter | 11.17 cu ft | 1.65 cu yd | 75 bags |
Before you use this result
Round, solid, identical columns only. Reinforcement displacement, caps, bases, form irregularities and structural design are outside this volume estimate.
- Measure the inside diameter of the fiber form tube and the full pour height from footing top (or hole bottom) to top of pier.
- For square piers or pilasters, use the Concrete Calculator or Concrete Footing Calculator with length × width × depth.
- When consolidating with a mechanical vibrator, fiber tubes can expand slightly; keep a 5% to 10% material reserve on site.
Questions answered
Calculator FAQ
Does this work for square columns?+
No. A square column uses width × depth × height; this tool calculates a round cylindrical column.
Is rebar volume subtracted?+
No. The geometric form volume is shown; confirm ordering allowance for the actual placement.