# Sonotube Concrete Calculator

> Sonotube concrete calculator: estimate concrete for a round column in cubic feet, cubic yards, and 60 or 80 lb bags. Free, runs in your browser, no signup.

- **Canonical URL:** https://boringtoolskit.com/sonotube-concrete-column/
- **Category:** Everyday Calculators
- **Evidence level:** authored-methodology
- **Reviewed:** July 26, 2026
- **Last verified:** 2026-10-12
- **Privacy:** Inputs and results stay in this browser unless the page clearly labels an external request.

## How it works

Volume per tube (cu ft) = pi x (diameter/2/12)^2 x height (ft); bags = total volume x 1.10 / yield per bag.

## Worked example

A 12 in x 4 ft sonotube holds pi x 0.5 ft squared x 4 ft = 3.14 cubic feet. With 10% waste that is 3.45 cu ft, which is 8 bags of 60 lb mix or 6 bags of 80 lb mix (QUIKRETE yields 0.45 and 0.60 cubic feet per bag).

## Common questions

### What is a sonotube concrete calculator and how does it work?

A sonotube concrete calculator is a browser-based tool that estimates the volume of concrete needed for cylindrical Sonotube forms. You enter the tube diameter, depth, and number of tubes, and it instantly calculates the cubic yards or feet of concrete required, no signup or download needed.

### Do I need to create an account or sign up to use the sonotube concrete calculator?

No. This is a completely no-signup, browser-based tool. You can use it immediately in your web browser with no registration, no email, and no personal data collected.

### How accurate are the results from the sonotube concrete calculator?

The calculator provides estimates based on standard cylindrical volume formulas using your input dimensions. It's a helpful planning tool, but always confirm with your concrete supplier and account for waste or over-excavation when ordering actual materials.

### How much concrete do I need for a sonotube?

It depends on the diameter and height: volume equals pi times the radius squared times the height. A 12 inch diameter tube 4 feet tall needs about 3.14 cubic feet, or about 3.45 cubic feet once you add the recommended 10% waste allowance (roughly 8 bags of 60 lb mix).

### How much concrete for an 18 inch sonotube?

An 18 inch diameter tube 4 feet tall holds about 7.07 cubic feet; budget about 7.8 cubic feet with 10% waste, which is about 18 bags of 60 lb mix or 13 bags of 80 lb mix at QUIKRETE yields of 0.45 and 0.60 cubic feet per bag.

## Sources

- [Calculation methodology](/methodology/)
- [Quality evidence and verification standard](/quality-evidence/)
- [Concrete Mix No. 1101 data sheet (bag yield)](https://www.quikrete.com/pdfs/data_sheet-concrete_mix_1101.pdf)

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