Column Volume Calculator

Sonotubes are cylindrical cardboard forms used to create round concrete columns for deck footings, support pillars, and other structures. You simply place the tube in the hole, pour in the concrete, and once it cures, the cardboard can be peeled away, leaving a smooth, round column.

This calculator bases the estimate on standard 80 lb. bags of concrete mix, which typically yield about 0.60 cubic feet of concrete. The number is rounded up to the nearest whole bag. Always check the yield printed on the specific brand of concrete bags you purchase, as it can vary slightly.

Yes, it's always a good idea to plan for about 5-10% extra concrete to account for uneven ground in your footing hole, spills, and to ensure your forms are completely full. It's much better to have a little left over than to run short.

The required depth of your footings depends on the frost line in your geographical area. The bottom of the footing must be below the frost line to prevent frost heave from moving your structure. Always check your local building codes for specific requirements in your area.

For any load-bearing columns, such as those supporting a deck or roof, reinforcement with steel rebar is almost always required by building codes. Rebar provides tensile strength, which concrete lacks, preventing the column from cracking under load. Check local codes for specific rebar size and placement requirements.

Cement is a key ingredient in concrete, but they are not the same thing. Concrete is a composite material made of three components: aggregate (like sand and gravel), cement, and water. The cement acts as a binding agent that hardens and holds the aggregates together to form concrete.