Fidamen

Concrete Footing Volume Calculator

Accurate concrete volume estimation helps you order the right quantity, avoid costly shortfalls, and minimize waste. This tool supports common footing types—rectangular pads, continuous strip footings, and circular piers—and returns volumes in cubic feet, cubic yards, and cubic meters.

Values are calculated from user-supplied dimensions and a simple geometric model. Use the waste allowance to factor typical on-site loss and rounding for ready-mix orders. For regulatory guidance on excavation safety and construction practices, follow your local code and OSHA recommendations.

Updated Nov 15, 2025QA PASS — golden 25 / edge 120Run golden-edge-2026-01-23

Governance

Record c7f0f5e6e438 • Reviewed by Fidamen Standards Committee

Isolated rectangular or square pad footings (individual column bases). Enter length, width, depth and quantity.

Inputs

Results

Updates as you type

Volume (cubic feet)

16

Volume (cubic yards)

0.5926

Volume (cubic meters)

0.4531

OutputValueUnit
Volume (cubic feet)16ft^3
Volume (cubic yards)0.5926yd^3
Volume (cubic meters)0.4531m^3
Primary result16

Visualization

Methodology

Each footing type uses a standard geometric volume formula (rectangular prism for pads and strips, cylinder for piers). Unit conversions use SI-consistent factors (1 ft = 0.3048 m; 1 yd^3 = 27 ft^3).

Outputs include cubic feet, cubic yards, and cubic meters. A user-adjustable waste percentage is applied at the ordering stage (multiply by 1 + waste%).

All formulas and factors follow conventional engineering practice and unit conversion references from standards bodies; users should consult project plans and a licensed engineer for structural design and reinforcement requirements.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Rectangular pad: 4 ft × 4 ft × 12 in, quantity 2 → compute ft^3 and yd^3, then add waste percent for ordering.

Example 2 — Strip footing: 30 ft run × 2 ft wide × 10 in deep → volume in yd^3 for ready-mix delivery.

Example 3 — Pier: 18 in diameter × 36 in deep × 4 piers → cylindrical volume in cubic feet and cubic yards.

F.A.Q.

Should I include a waste allowance when ordering ready-mix?

Yes. Typical allowances are 5–15% depending on site conditions and pump/truck placement. Use the waste percent field to add overage for spillage, uneven subgrade, and finishing. Confirm final ordering quantities with your ready-mix supplier.

Can I use these volumes for structural design?

No. This calculator provides material volumes only. Structural sizing, reinforcement, bearing capacity, and settlement calculations require engineering analysis and compliance with local building codes. Consult a licensed structural engineer for design details.

Why do outputs include cubic yards and cubic meters?

Ready-mix concrete is commonly ordered in cubic yards in the United States and cubic meters in many other countries. Providing both units helps you order from suppliers and compare quotes. Unit conversions are based on international standards.

How precise are the conversions and formulas?

Calculations use standard geometric formulas and industry-standard unit conversions (for example, 1 ft = 0.3048 m, 1 yd^3 = 27 ft^3). Use the displayed values as practical estimates; round according to your supplier's ordering increments and on-site tolerances.

Are there safety or regulatory considerations to be aware of?

Yes. Excavation safety, shoring, and concrete handling are regulated activities. Refer to OSHA construction guidance and local building authorities for safe excavation depth, sloping, and protective measures. Structural and safety compliance should be validated by qualified professionals.

Which inputs are required for each method?

Rectangular pad: length, width, depth, quantity. Strip footing: linear run, width, depth. Circular pier: pier diameter, depth, quantity. Depths are entered in inches and converted internally to feet.

Sources & citations

Further resources

Versioning & Change Control

Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).

Record ID: c7f0f5e6e438

What changed (latest)

v1.0.0 • 2025-11-15 • 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 15, 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 • 2025-11-15 • 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: e5c177a1d44d