Concrete Round Pier Volume Calculator
This calculator estimates the concrete volume for a single round pier (cylindrical pier) using measured diameter and depth. Results include a user-adjustable waste allowance so you can better plan orders and deliveries.
Outputs are presented in cubic feet, cubic yards, and cubic meters to match common ready-mix ordering units and international specifications. Use the waste allowance to account for spillage, over-excavation, or formwork irregularities.
Governance
Record 31942fb541b3 • Reviewed by Fidamen Standards Committee
Inputs
Results
Volume (cubic feet)
0.8639
Volume (cubic yards)
0.032
Volume (cubic meters)
0.0245
| Output | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Volume (cubic feet) | 0.8639 | cu ft |
| Volume (cubic yards) | 0.032 | cu yd |
| Volume (cubic meters) | 0.0245 | m3 |
Visualization
Methodology
We compute the geometric volume of a cylinder using the standard formula for a circular prism and then apply the user-specified waste allowance to produce an order-ready estimate.
Inputs are interpreted as inches. The calculator converts inches to feet for volumetric units (1 foot = 12 inches) and uses the exact mathematical constant π = 3.141592653589793 for area calculations.
This tool gives an estimate for material planning. Confirm final ordering quantities with your supplier and follow local building codes (for reinforcement, footing size, and frost-depth requirements).
F.A.Q.
Why are inputs in inches and outputs in cubic yards, cubic feet, and cubic meters?
Inches are commonly used on-site for pier measurements. The calculator converts to cubic feet for precise volume math and then to cubic yards (common ready-mix ordering unit) and cubic meters for international projects.
What waste percentage should I use?
A typical default is 10% for small pours to cover spillage and minor measurement variance. For complex forms, large aggregates, or difficult access, increase the allowance. Consult your supplier for recommended overage for the specific job.
Can I use this for piers with tapered or stepped profiles?
This calculator assumes a straight cylindrical pier. For tapered or stepped piers, break the pier into separate cylindrical segments, calculate each segment's volume, then sum the results.
How accurate is this estimate for ordering ready-mix?
This is a geometry-based estimate and does not account for mix consolidation, reinforcement displacement, or formwork irregularities. Round up to the next convenient delivery increment (often 0.25 or 0.5 cu yd) and verify minimum delivery sizes with your concrete supplier.
How should I measure to reduce error?
Measure diameter and depth at multiple points and use the largest reasonable values where appropriate. Account for excavation sloping and sub-base material when measuring depth intended for concrete placement.
Sources & citations
- Formula for cylinder volume (mathematical reference) — https://mathworld.wolfram.com/Cylinder.html
- SI units and unit conversion guidance (NIST) — https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/si-units
- Concrete guidance and specification considerations (Federal Highway Administration) — https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/concrete.cfm
- Open course material on structural materials (MIT OpenCourseWare) — https://ocw.mit.edu
- ACI — American Concrete Institute Standards — https://www.concrete.org/publications/typesofpublications/standards(codesandspecs).aspx
- ACI 211.1-91 — Standard Practice for Selecting Proportions for Concrete — https://www.concrete.org/
- 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: 31942fb541b3What changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-23 • 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 • 2025-11-23 • 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 23, 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 • 2025-11-23 • 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: 78a8421d8cf5