Concrete Pier & Footing Tool

Sonotube Concrete Calculator

Calculate sonotube concrete volume, footing concrete quantity, and concrete bags needed using accurate contractor-grade concrete pier formulas.

  • Footing Estimation
  • Contractor Friendly
  • Instant Results
  • Mobile Optimized

Sonotube Volume Estimator

Deck footing — 12 in Ø · 48 in depth · 6 tubes typical

Sonotube Preview

Ø 12 in H: 48 in × 6 sonotubes ~0.7 cu yd total
Quick diameter
Cubic Yards
80 lb Bags
Est. Cost
Cubic Feet

Sonotube Size Guide

Common sonotube sizes
DiameterTypical UseNotes
8 inFence posts, light decksCheck lateral load
10–12 inDeck footings, pergolasCommon residential choice
14–16 inHeavy decks, cornersEngineered plans may specify
18–24 inPole barns, large piersHigher volume per hole

Practical Examples

Deck Footing

6× 12 in tubes, 48 in deep.

Fence Post

4× 8 in tubes, 36 in deep.

Pergola Post

4× 10 in tubes, 42 in deep.

Pole Barn Footing

8× 18 in tubes, 48 in deep.

Cylinder Volume Formulas

V = π × (D÷2)² × H × qtyD and H in feet · ÷ 27 for yards · × (1 + waste%) for ordering

This sonotube calculator is a focused concrete pier calculator for cylindrical forms. For flatwork, use the concrete slab calculator or concrete volume calculator column mode.

Deck Footing Guide

  • Depth below frost. Footings must reach frost depth in your jurisdiction—measure from finished grade to the bottom of the tube, not the top.
  • Bell or spread footings. Some codes require a wider base. This tool estimates straight cylinders; add extra volume for bells manually.
  • Spacing follows the plan. Post count comes from beam layout. A 12×16 deck might need six footings while a 10×10 needs four.
  • Order bags with waste. Pier pours spill at the top. Eight percent waste on six tubes is cheaper than a second store run.
  • Coordinate with the slab. If you also pour a slab, combine takeoffs with the concrete yard calculator or ready mix concrete calculator.

Sonotube FAQ

Is sonotube the same as a concrete tube?

Yes. Sonotube is a brand name for fiber forms; contractors often say concrete tube or pier form for the same cylindrical footing.

How many yards for eight deck footings?

Eight 12-inch tubes at 4 feet deep total about 1.0 cubic yard net. With 8% waste, plan roughly 1.1 yards or about 50 bags of 80 lb mix.

Can I pour fence posts without sonotubes?

Some crews pour into augered holes without forms. Volume math is the same cylinder; tubes keep the pier neat and sized.