How to use it
- Enter diameter in inches, height in feet, and quantity.
- Click “Calculate” to see cubic yards, bags, and cubic feet.
- Review the numbers and add a waste allowance before ordering.
What it does The Cylinder for Concrete Calculator takes the diameter (in), height/depth (ft) and the number of cylinders you plan to pour, then instantly computes three key metrics: total cubic feet, cubic yards, and how many standard 80‑lb bags of mix you’ll need. Knowing the exact volume prevents ordering too little (causing project delays) or too much (wasting money).
Why it matters Concrete is billed by the cubic yard, while most suppliers sell mix in 80‑lb bags that each yield about 0.6 ft³. Converting between these units lets you compare supplier quotes, schedule deliveries, and budget accurately.
How to read the results
- Cubic feet – raw volume of all cylinders.
- Cubic yards – divide cubic feet by 27; this is the unit most contractors quote.
- 80‑lb bags – cubic feet ÷ 0.6, then round up to the nearest whole bag.
Pro tips
- Add 5‑10% extra for spillage and settling.
- Round bag count up; you can’t buy a fraction of a bag.
- Use the same units (inches for diameter, feet for height) as the calculator expects.
- Double‑check the quantity if you’re mixing multiple identical cylinders.
Real-life examples
- A homeowner estimating concrete for a 12‑in diameter, 2‑ft deep post hole.
- A contractor planning footings for several round columns on a new patio.
- A landscape designer calculating material for decorative concrete bollards.
Case study
John needed concrete for ten 12‑in diameter, 3‑ft deep garden pillars. Using the calculator he saw he required 4.7 yd³, which translated to 8 bags of 80‑lb mix. He ordered the exact amount, avoided a $150 over‑order, and finished the project on schedule.