Sonotube Calculator

Free calculator. Work out the concrete to fill round tube forms for deck footings, piers and columns.

A B
B Height to fill
ft
in
Measure from the bottom of the hole to the top of the tube.
Your prices (for the cost estimate)
$
$
These are example prices. Change them to what your local supplier charges. Ready-mix delivery fees are extra.
You need
–
Ready-mix order–
Weight–
Cost, ready-mix–
Cost, 80 lb bags–

Concrete per sonotube size

Diametercu ft per ftcu ft in 4 ft80 lb bags in 4 ft
6 in0.200.792
8 in0.351.403
10 in0.552.184
12 in0.793.146
14 in1.074.288
16 in1.405.5910
18 in1.777.0712
24 in3.1412.5721
Before extra for waste.

How to calculate concrete for a round form

π × (diameter in inches ÷ 24)² × height in feet = cubic feet
12 in tube, 4 ft high: 3.1416 × 0.5² × 4 = 3.14 cu ft

If the tube sits on a wider footing, such as a bell-shaped base or a square pad, work that out separately with the footing calculator and add the two together.

Tips for pouring sonotubes

  • Brace each tube plumb before pouring. Wet concrete can push a loose tube off line.
  • Pour in stages and rod or tap the sides to remove air pockets.
  • Set anchor bolts or post bases while the concrete is still wet.

Concrete per tube form size

Diameterm³ per metrem³ in 1.2 m25 kg bags in 1.2 m
15 cm0.0180.0212
20 cm0.0310.0384
25 cm0.0490.0596
30 cm0.0710.0858
35 cm0.0960.11510
40 cm0.1260.15113
45 cm0.1590.19117
60 cm0.2830.33929
Before extra for waste.

How to calculate concrete for a round form

π × (diameter in cm ÷ 200)² × height in m = cubic metres
30 cm tube, 1.2 m high: 3.1416 × 0.15² × 1.2 = 0.085 m³

If the tube sits on a wider footing, such as a bell-shaped base or a square pad, work that out separately with the footing calculator and add the two together.

Tips for pouring tube forms

  • Brace each tube plumb before pouring. Wet concrete can push a loose tube off line.
  • Pour in stages and rod or tap the sides to remove air pockets.
  • Set anchor bolts or post bases while the concrete is still wet.

Common questions

How many bags of concrete fill a 12 inch sonotube?

A 12 in tube holds about 0.79 cubic feet per foot of height. A 4 ft tube needs about 6 bags of 80 lb.

How many bags of concrete fill a 30 cm tube form?

A 30 cm tube holds about 0.071 m³ per metre of height. A 1.2 m tube needs about 8 bags of 25 kg.

How many bags for an 8 inch sonotube?

An 8 in tube holds about 0.35 cubic feet per foot. A 4 ft tube needs about 3 bags of 80 lb.

How many bags for a 20 cm tube form?

A 20 cm tube holds about 0.031 m³ per metre. A 1.2 m tube needs about 4 bags of 25 kg.

What size sonotube do I need for a deck?

Deck footings commonly use 8 to 12 in tubes, but the right size depends on the deck's load and your soil. Your local building code or permit drawings will set the minimum.

What size tube form do I need for a deck?

Deck footings commonly use 20 to 30 cm tubes, but the right size depends on the deck's load and your soil. Your local building rules or plans will set the minimum.

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