{"id":"concrete-footing-calculator","name":"Concrete Footing Calculator","shortName":"Concrete Footing","canonicalUrl":"https://calcurhome.com/calculators/concrete-footing-calculator","catalogUrl":"https://calcurhome.com/api/calculators","category":{"id":"concrete-masonry","name":"Concrete & masonry","url":"https://calcurhome.com/calculators/category/concrete-masonry"},"language":"en-US","audience":"US homeowners, DIYers and home-project planners","primaryKeyword":"concrete footing calculator","secondaryKeywords":["continuous footing concrete","foundation footing volume","strip footing calculator","footing cubic yards"],"description":"Calculate concrete for a continuous rectangular footing from centerline length, width, depth, and waste, with volume and cost estimates.","directAnswer":"Multiply the footing’s total centerline length by its width and depth, converting inches to feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. Add a placement allowance for trench variation. This tool estimates volume only; footing size, reinforcement, frost depth, and bearing require professional or code verification.","inputs":[{"key":"totalLength","label":"Total footing length","unit":"ft","defaultValue":80,"min":0.1,"step":0.1,"help":"Use one consistent measurement path to avoid double-counting corners."},{"key":"width","label":"Footing width","unit":"in","defaultValue":16,"min":1,"step":1},{"key":"depth","label":"Footing depth","unit":"in","defaultValue":8,"min":1,"step":1},{"key":"waste","label":"Trench allowance","unit":"%","defaultValue":10,"min":0,"max":30,"step":1},{"key":"pricePerYard","label":"Concrete price","unit":"$/cu yd","defaultValue":175,"min":0,"step":5}],"formula":{"title":"Continuous rectangular footing volume","expression":"Cubic yards = total length × (width in inches ÷ 12) × (depth in inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27","explanation":"Width and depth form the footing cross-section in square feet. Multiplying by total length gives cubic feet; the calculator converts this to yards and adds the chosen trench allowance."},"measurementGuide":["Use approved footing width and depth rather than the visible trench alone.","Measure total length using a consistent centerline or segment method so corners are counted once.","Calculate stepped footings and sections with different cross-sections separately.","Measure over-excavation before the pour because soil collapse can materially increase concrete volume."],"buyingTips":["Arrange required footing inspection before ordering concrete or covering reinforcement.","Confirm mix specification, placement access, pump needs, and allowable construction joints.","Have forms, reinforcement, chairs, anchor items, tools, crew, and washout ready before delivery.","Budget delivery and short-load fees separately from the displayed material subtotal."],"workedExample":{"title":"Continuous perimeter footing","scenario":"An 80 ft footing is 16 inches wide and 8 inches deep, with 10% trench allowance.","result":"80 × (16 ÷ 12) × (8 ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = 2.63 cu yd; order estimate = 2.90 cu yd."},"commonQuestions":[{"question":"How do I measure the length of a continuous footing?","answer":"Use the plan’s centerline dimensions when available. Otherwise divide the footprint into non-overlapping straight segments and document how corners are handled. Mixing inside, outside, and centerline lengths can double-count or omit concrete at intersections."},{"question":"How much extra concrete should I allow for footings?","answer":"Formed footings may need less extra than earth-formed trenches. Ten percent is a planning starting point when soil variation exists, but actual allowance depends on excavation control, collapse, pumping, and supplier increments. Measure the trench before ordering."},{"question":"Can this calculator determine footing width or depth?","answer":"No. It calculates concrete from dimensions you already have. Required width and depth depend on loads, soil bearing, frost conditions, seismic or wind design, and code. Obtain approved dimensions from a qualified professional or local building authority."},{"question":"Do I include rebar volume when ordering footing concrete?","answer":"Concrete estimators normally do not deduct reinforcement displacement because the difference is small relative to placement variation. Order from the full geometric volume and calculate reinforcing steel separately from approved plans, including laps, bends, and supports."}],"sources":[{"name":"International Code Council — 2024 International Residential Code","url":"https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IRC2024P1","note":"Primary model-code source for residential foundations, reinforcement, masonry, and stair safety requirements."},{"name":"Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute","url":"https://www.crsi.org/reinforcing-basics/","note":"Industry source explaining reinforced-concrete materials and placement fundamentals."}],"defaultCalculation":{"inputs":{"totalLength":80,"width":16,"depth":8,"waste":10,"pricePerYard":175},"result":{"value":"2.9","unit":"cu yd","label":"Footing concrete to order","lines":[{"label":"Designed volume","value":"2.63 cu yd"},{"label":"Cross-section","value":"0.89 sq ft"},{"label":"Material subtotal","value":"$507"},{"label":"Added trench allowance","value":"0.26 cu yd"}],"summary":"The uniform footing contains 2.63 cubic yards at its designed dimensions.","note":"Volume is not a structural design. Verify footing geometry, soil bearing, frost protection, reinforcement, inspection, and concrete specification locally."}},"reviewedOn":"2026-07-23","disclaimer":"Planning estimate only. Verify product coverage, supplier rounding, local codes and structural requirements before purchase or construction."}