Concrete Column Volume Calculator
Quickly estimate the volume of concrete required for columns with rectangular, square, or circular cross sections. Enter linear dimensions in feet. Results include cubic feet, cubic yards, and cubic meters plus an approximate bag count for common bag sizes.
This tool uses standard geometric formulas used in structural calculations. Use the shape selector to pick the appropriate cross-section. For final procurement or structural design, confirm quantities and mix specifications with a licensed engineer or ready-mix supplier.
Governance
Record 86bb56dbf62f • Reviewed by Fidamen Standards Committee
Use when the column has a rectangular cross-section (width × depth).
Inputs
Results
Volume — cubic feet (cu ft)
8
Volume — cubic yards (cu yd)
0.2963
Volume — cubic meters (m³)
0.2265
Estimated 60 lb bags
18
Estimated 80 lb bags
13
| Output | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Volume — cubic feet (cu ft) | 8 | cu ft |
| Volume — cubic yards (cu yd) | 0.2963 | cu yd |
| Volume — cubic meters (m³) | 0.2265 | m^3 |
| Estimated 60 lb bags | 18 | bags |
| Estimated 80 lb bags | 13 | bags |
Visualization
Methodology
Rectangular column volume = height × width × depth. Square column is a special case where depth = width. Circular column volume = cross-sectional area × height, where area = π × (diameter/2)^2.
Calculations assume input dimensions are in feet and produce cubic feet as the base result. Cubic yards are computed by dividing cubic feet by 27. Cubic meters are computed with the exact conversion factor 1 cu ft = 0.0283168 m³.
Bag count estimates use typical manufacturer yields as approximations (for quick planning). A 60 lb bag is approximated as 0.45 cu ft and a 80 lb bag as 0.6 cu ft. Actual bag yields vary by product and mixing; confirm with the product technical data sheet before ordering.
This calculator provides volumetric estimates only. For reinforcement, axial load capacity, code compliance, mixes, slump, curing, cold weather or hot weather placement, consult relevant standards and a licensed engineer. Refer to ACI and local building codes for design and placement requirements.
F.A.Q.
What units should I enter?
Enter linear dimensions in feet. The calculator treats inputs as feet and returns volumes in cubic feet, cubic yards and cubic meters. If you need other input units, convert them to feet first or consult a unit conversion tool.
How accurate are the bag counts?
Bag counts are approximate and use typical bag yields for quick planning. Actual yield per bag depends on product formulation and mixing. Always consult the product technical data sheet from your supplier or ready-mix producer before ordering.
Do I need to add waste or overage?
Yes. We recommend ordering additional concrete for waste and placement losses. Common practice is to add 5%–10% for small pours and 10%–15% for complex formwork or difficult access. Confirm with your contractor or supplier.
Can I rely on this for structural design?
No. This calculator provides quantity estimates only. Structural design—including sizing, reinforcement, load checks, and mix specification—must be performed or reviewed by a licensed structural engineer per applicable building codes.
Where do the formulas come from?
Formulas are basic geometric volume calculations used in engineering and construction. Conversion constants use SI-consistent factors (for volume and length). For design, reference industry standards such as ACI and local building codes.
Does this consider reinforcement, cover, or voids?
No. This estimate is for gross concrete volume. If reinforcement, embedded items, or voids are significant, subtract their volumes from the gross volume or provide them to your supplier for a detailed estimate.
What safety or code guidance should I follow?
Follow OSHA safety rules for concrete and masonry operations, and consult ACI and local building codes for concrete quality, curing, and placement. For regulated projects, get approval from the project structural engineer and local building authority.
Sources & citations
- American Concrete Institute (ACI) — technical resources — https://www.concrete.org
- U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration — concrete and masonry guidance — https://www.osha.gov/concrete-and-masonry
- NIST Guide to SI and unit conversions — https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/si-units
- Conversion factors for volume (NIST/handbook references) — https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/metric-si/si-units
- University civil engineering resources — geometry and volume calculations — https://web.mit.edu
- ACI — American Concrete Institute Standards — https://www.concrete.org/publications/typesofpublications/standards(codesandspecs).aspx
- ASTM International — Construction Standards — https://www.astm.org/
Further resources
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
Record ID: 86bb56dbf62fWhat changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-05 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Public QA status
PASS — golden 25 + edge 120
Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
What changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-05 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Public QA status
PASS — golden 25 + edge 120
Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23
Engine
v1.0.0
Data
Baseline (no external datasets)
Content
v1.0.0
UI
v1.0.0
Governance
Last updated: Nov 5, 2025
Reviewed by: Fidamen Standards Committee (Review board)
Credentials: Internal QA
Risk level: low
Reviewer profile (entity)
Fidamen Standards Committee
Review board
Internal QA
Entity ID: https://fidamen.com/reviewers/fidamen-standards-committee#person
Semantic versioning
- MAJOR: Calculation outputs can change for the same inputs (formula, rounding policy, assumptions).
- MINOR: New features or fields that do not change existing outputs for the same inputs.
- PATCH: Bug fixes, copy edits, or accessibility changes that do not change intended outputs except for previously incorrect cases.
Review protocol
- Verify formulas and unit definitions against primary standards or datasets.
- Run golden-case regression suite and edge-case suite.
- Record reviewer sign-off with credentials and scope.
- Document assumptions, limitations, and jurisdiction applicability.
Assumptions & limitations
- Uses exact unit definitions from the Fidamen conversion library.
- Internal calculations use double precision; display rounding follows the unit's configured decimal places.
- Not a substitute for calibrated instruments in regulated contexts.
- Jurisdiction-specific rules may require official guidance.
Change log
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-05 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Areas: engine, content, ui • Reviewer: Fidamen Standards Committee • Entry ID: 5c4be5e01a90
- https://web.mit.edu
- https://www.astm.org/
- https://www.concrete.org
- https://www.concrete.org/publications/typesofpublications/standards(codesandspecs).aspx
- https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/metric-si/si-units
- https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/si-units
- https://www.osha.gov/concrete-and-masonry