What is this pile concrete calculator used for?

This calculator estimates how much concrete you need for round or rectangular piles and small footings. It helps DIY builders plan concrete volume, include a waste factor, and estimate ready-mix or bag quantities for projects like sheds, pergolas, decks, and fence posts.

How do I calculate concrete volume for piles?

Select the pile shape (round or rectangular), enter the diameter or width and length, add the depth, and the number of piles. The calculator uses geometric volume formulas and then applies your waste percentage to provide a total volume estimate.

How much waste should I add for concrete piles?

A waste factor helps prevent running out of concrete due to uneven holes, soil collapse, or formwork losses. Use 5–10% for clean forms and stable soil, 10–15% for looser soil or rough holes, and 15%+ for deep piles or poor ground conditions.

Should I use ready-mix concrete or concrete bags?

For small volumes, concrete bags can be convenient, especially for single posts or a few footings. For larger totals, ready-mix often saves time and effort. This calculator provides both a total volume and bag estimates to help you choose.

What are common mistakes when estimating concrete for piles?

Common mistakes include forgetting to add a waste factor, mixing metric and imperial units, guessing bag quantities without converting volume properly, and ordering too little ready-mix for the total number of piles.

Pile Concrete Calculator – Free Tool for Foundations & Decks

Pile Concrete Calculator

Units

Shape

Diameter

Width (A)

Length (B)

Depth

Number of piles

Waste (%)

What This Pile Concrete Calculator Is For

This calculator helps DIY builders and homeowners estimate concrete volume accurately for small construction projects.

Estimating concrete volume for piles and footings
Round and rectangular pile calculations
Ready-mix and concrete bag estimates
Metric (mm) and imperial (in) units
DIY and small construction projects

How to calculate concrete for piles

To calculate concrete volume correctly, you need to know the pile size, depth, number of piles, and expected waste.
This calculator uses true geometric volume formulas instead of rough guesses.

Diameter (D) for round piles
Width (A) and length (B) for rectangular piles
Depth (H)
Number of piles
Waste percentage

How much waste should I add?

A waste factor helps prevent running out of concrete due to soil collapse, uneven holes, or formwork losses.

5–10% – clean forms and stable soil
10–15% – loose soil or rough holes
15%+ – deep piles or poor ground conditions

Common mistakes when estimating concrete

Forgetting to include waste
Mixing millimeters and inches
Guessing concrete bag quantities
Ordering too little ready-mix concrete

Round vs rectangular piles

Round piles are typically used with drilled holes and tube forms, while rectangular piles are formed using boxed formwork.
This calculator supports both pile shapes and automatically applies the correct volume calculation.

FAQ

How deep should a concrete pile be?

Pile depth depends on frost depth, soil conditions, and structural loads.
In many regions, piles must extend below frost depth to prevent movement.

Does this calculator include gravel at the bottom?

No. This calculator estimates concrete volume only.
If gravel is used, required concrete volume will be slightly lower.

Is the cost estimate accurate?

No. The cost estimate is a rough approximation only.
Concrete prices vary by location, supplier, and delivery conditions.

Can I use this calculator for fence posts?

Yes. This calculator works for fence posts, pergolas, decks, sheds, and similar small structures.

Planning a shed or pergola?

CraftFrame plans include foundation layouts, post spacing, and step-by-step instructions to help you build correctly.

For slab-on-grade projects such as shed or garage slabs, use our Concrete Slab Calculator to estimate concrete volume, waste, and material quantities accurately.