Footing Calculator USA 2026
Estimate concrete for continuous strip footings, pier pads or column footings.
Footing Calculator USA 2026 — the quick answer
Estimate concrete for continuous strip footings, pier pads or column footings.
| Formula | Volume = Length × Width × Depth |
|---|---|
| Category | Concrete |
| Cost basis | 2026 USA averages (USD) |
Output
Planning estimate
Time to use
Under a minute
Last reviewed
2026
Built for
DIYers & trades
Enter your measurements
Results
Volume
106.7 ft³
Cubic yards (with 10% waste)
4.35 yd³
80 lb bags
196
Calculation steps
- 1.Volume = 120 × (16/12) × (8/12) = 106.67 ft³
- 2.Yards = 106.67 ÷ 27 × 1.10 = 4.35
Includes a standard waste allowance. Verify with your supplier before ordering.
What this calculator does
Estimates the volume of ready-mix concrete you need — in cubic yards, cubic meters and 60/80 lb bag counts — plus a 10% waste allowance so you don't run short mid-pour.
When to use it
- Planning a slab, patio, footing, driveway or sidewalk pour.
- Comparing bagged vs. ready-mix truck pricing.
- Sizing rebar, mesh and vapor barrier by area.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting to convert thickness from inches to feet before multiplying.
- Ordering exact volume with zero waste — always add 5–10%.
- Ignoring compaction: over-excavated subgrade sinks the finished slab.
Pro tips
- Order 10% extra for slabs, 15% for uneven ground or complex forms.
- For driveways, use 6" thickness and #4 rebar at 18" on-center.
- Pour early morning in summer to avoid flash-set from heat.
What the Footing Calculator works out for your footing job
Estimate concrete for continuous strip footings, pier pads or column footings.
Enter Total length (ft), Width (in) and Depth (in) and the footing calculator returns Volume, Cubic yards (with 10% waste) and 80 lb bags instantly — no signup, no spreadsheet and no install. Every figure updates as you type so you can test two or three footing scenarios before you commit to an order or a bid.
Footing numbers this page gives you
The output is written for a real supply run: quantities and figures you can hand to a supplier or drop straight into a bid for footing work.
- Volume — recalculated on every input change.
- Cubic yards (with 10% waste) — recalculated on every input change.
- 80 lb bags — recalculated on every input change.
How to estimate footing step by step
The math behind this page is Volume = Length × Width × Depth. Nothing is hidden — the formula, the assumptions and the waste allowance are all printed on the page so you can re-check the result by hand.
Worked example: 120 ft × 16" × 8" = 106.7 ft³ = 3.95 yd³.
- Measure the footing area or run and write down Total length (ft), Width (in) and Depth (in).
- Enter the figures above and read the footing result.
- Add the recommended waste allowance before you order.
- Save or download the estimate so your supplier and your crew work from the same numbers.
Footing searches this page answers
Homeowners, DIYers and contractors reach this footing page looking for the same handful of answers. Each of these is answered above with the formula shown:
- Footing calculator
- How much footing do I need
- Footing estimator online
- Footing quantity takeoff calculator
- Free footing calculator app USA
- Footing material calculator 2026
Before you order footing: quick checklist
- Re-measure the footing area once before ordering — a second check is cheaper than a second delivery.
- Keep the stated waste allowance in the order; cuts and breakage are normal on footing work.
- Confirm coverage or unit size with your actual supplier — footing pack sizes vary by brand.
More footing planning tools
Pair this footing estimate with the rest of BuildMate: a full calculator index, an AI planner that turns a plain-English description into a materials list, and step-by-step guides for the trade work itself.
Targeted searches: footing calculator · how much footing do I need · footing estimator online · footing quantity takeoff calculator · free footing calculator app USA · footing material calculator 2026
Get 3 Free Quotes
Compare 3 vetted USA pros for your footing calculator project. Free, no obligation.
Disclaimer: This is a planning estimate produced from the formula shown above. Actual quantities vary with site conditions, layout, offcuts and installer practice. Verify with your supplier or contractor before ordering, and see our methodology.
How it works
- 1Enter footing length, width and depth (all in feet — depth in inches).
- 2Standard residential footing: 16" wide × 8" deep.
Formula
Worked example
120 ft × 16" × 8" = 106.7 ft³ = 3.95 yd³.
Frequently asked questions
Rebar in footings?
Yes — 2 continuous #4 bars in a strip footing.
How wide should the footing be?
2× the wall thickness for standard soil (verify with local code).
How do I use the Footing Calculator?
Enter Total length (ft), Width (in) and Depth (in). The footing calculator instantly returns Volume, Cubic yards (with 10% waste) and 80 lb bags, along with the formula and every calculation step so you can verify the result.
How much footing do I need?
It depends on your measurements, so run the footing numbers above rather than using a rule of thumb. The calculator applies the standard trade formula plus a stated waste allowance, which is what stops you from coming up short mid-job.
What does the Footing Calculator include in its result?
It reports Volume, Cubic yards (with 10% waste) and 80 lb bags. The underlying formula is Volume = Length × Width × Depth.
Is the Footing Calculator free, and does it work on mobile?
Yes — it's free, needs no account, and runs in the browser on phone, tablet and desktop. Nothing is installed and your saved footing estimates stay on your own device.
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