Footing Cost Calculator

Calculate your concrete footing volume, material needs, and cost instantly for free.

  • Free
  • No sign-up
  • Instant results

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How to use it

  1. Enter length, width, and thickness.
  2. Enter price per cubic yard.
  3. Click Calculate.
  4. Review cubic yards, bags, and cost.

The Footing Cost Calculator converts the dimensions of your footings into the exact amount of concrete you’ll need, then translates that volume into both cubic yards and the number of 80‑lb bags, and finally applies your local price to give an estimated cost. Knowing the volume helps you order the right amount, avoid shortages, and keep the project on budget. The results are shown in four columns: Cubic yards (the standard ordering unit), Estimated cost (based on your price input), Bags (using the 0.6 ft³ per 80‑lb bag constant), and Cubic feet (for quick reference). Use the numbers to compare supplier quotes or to plan waste allowances.

Pro tips

  • Add 5‑10% extra for spillage and compaction.
  • Round up bag count to the next whole bag.
  • Order concrete a day before pour to ensure freshness.
  • Double‑check thickness conversion from inches to feet.

Real-life examples

  • A homeowner planning a 4‑ft wide patio footings.
  • A contractor estimating concrete for a new garage slab.
  • A landscape designer sizing footings for a retaining wall.

Case study

Mike needed 12 ft by 12 ft footings 6 in thick. The calculator showed 0.33 cubic yards, 6 bags, and a $99 cost, letting him order exactly what he needed and finish on schedule.

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert thickness in inches to the volume calculation?
Enter the thickness in inches; the calculator handles the conversion to feet internally.
Why does the bag count not match the cubic yards exactly?
Bags are based on 0.6 ft³ per 80‑lb bag, a different unit than cubic yards.
Should I order more concrete than the calculator suggests?
Add a small waste allowance (5‑10%) to cover spillage and settling.
Can I use the calculator for multiple footing sizes at once?
Enter the total combined length, width, and thickness for all footings together.
What if my supplier quotes per cubic meter?
Convert the cubic yards result to cubic meters (1 cubic yard ≈ 0.7646 m³) before comparing.