Concrete Calculator: Column Volume

Estimate concrete for reinforced concrete columns. Choose rectangular or circular, enter dimensions, height, count, and a waste allowance. The tool returns per-column and total volumes in m³, yd³, and ft³, plus approximate bag counts. Notes, formulas, and FAQs are included for clarity.

Units Metric (m, mm) US Customary (ft, in)

Column shape

Column height

Width

Depth

Number of columns

pcs

Waste allowance

Covers spillage and dimensional variation. Many projects add 4 to 10 percent.

Subtract internal sleeves or chases (optional)

Cylindrical sleeve diameter

Assumes a vertical sleeve that runs the full height of the column.

Number of sleeves per column

pcs

Rectangular chase width

Rectangular chase depth

Number of chases per column

pcs

Chase is assumed to run vertically through the full height.

Results

Per-column net volume

0.000 m³

0.000 yd³

0.00 ft³

Total net volume

0.000 m³

0.000 yd³

0.00 ft³

Total with waste

0.000 m³

0.000 yd³

0.00 ft³

Approximate bag counts (total with waste)

US bag sizes (QUIKRETE® yield)

40 lb bag00.30 ft³ per bag

50 lb bag00.375 ft³ per bag

60 lb bag00.45 ft³ per bag

80 lb bag00.60 ft³ per bag

90 lb bag00.675 ft³ per bag

Yields per bag from QUIKRETE data sheet. Actual yield varies by placement and compaction. Source

Metric bag sizes

Edit yields to match your local supplier data.

20 kg bag yield m³ 25 kg bag yield m³ 40 kg bag yield m³

20 kg bag0

25 kg bag0

40 kg bag0

How to use this concrete calculator

Select metric or US units.
Choose the column shape, then enter height and cross-section size.
Set the number of identical columns.
Add a waste allowance. Many jobs add 4 to 10 percent.
Optional: subtract internal sleeves or rectangular chases that run vertically.
Read per-column and total volumes, then review bag counts for ordering.

Formulas and assumptions

Rectangular column per-column gross volume: V = B × D × H, where B and D are cross-section width and depth, and H is height. Inputs are converted to meters internally, so volume is in m³.
Circular column per-column gross volume: V = π × (D/2)² × H, where D is diameter.
Vertical sleeve deduction (per sleeve): V_sleeve = π × (d/2)² × H.
Vertical chase deduction (per chase): V_chase = W_c × D_c × H.
Per-column net volume: V_net = V − n_sleeveV_sleeve − n_chaseV_chase (clipped at zero).
Total net and with waste: V_total = V_net × n_columns, then V_waste = V_total × (1 + waste%).
Bag counts: bags = Required volume ÷ bag yield. US yields use ft³ per bag. Metric yields are editable in m³ per bag.
Scope: Volume only. This does not size reinforcement, cover, stirrups, or ties.

References

Waste allowance of about 4 to 10 percent is common in practice (NRMCA CIP 8, NRMCA CIP 31).
US bag yields: QUIKRETE® Concrete Mix 1101 (data sheet).

FAQs

What column size should I use?

Follow your structural engineer and local code. This tool only estimates volume for a chosen size.

Does this include the footing or pedestal?

No. Use a footing calculator for foundations and add the volumes separately.

Can I mix circular and rectangular columns at once?

This version assumes identical columns. For mixed sizes and shapes, run separate calculations or ask for a multi-line version.