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Concrete Pier Calculator

Concrete Pier Calculator estimates concrete for cylindrical piers for deck, porch, and foundation piers. Enter job dimensions in U.S. customary units, adjust supplier assumptions, and get purchase-ready quantities instantly.

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HOW IT WORKS

Formula and assumptions

Use π × (diameter ÷ 2)² × height × quantity, subtract post displacement where shown, divide cubic feet by 27, then apply waste.

Diameter is outside-to-outside and depth is the filled height.
Each cylinder uses the same dimensions.

FIELD CHECK

Before you order

Measure the drilled or formed diameter and actual depth for each matching pier group.

Worked example

Example: with diameter 16 in, height / depth 48 in, number of cylinders 6, waste allowance 12 %, the concrete pier calculator returns 1.39 cu yd for material to order. The supporting check is bags to buy: 63 bags. Replace the prefilled measurements and supplier assumptions with the project values before ordering.

Planning limitation

Pier diameter, depth, bearing, frost protection, and reinforcement require local design verification.

PROJECT GUIDE

Using this calculator well

WHEN TO USE IT

Best use of this calculator

Use the result as a planning estimate, then verify field measurements and product-specific data before ordering or building.

INPUTS EXPLAINED

What each input means

Diameter: Enter the measured value and choose the matching unit (in, ft, cm, mm).
Height / depth: Enter the measured value and choose the matching unit (in, ft, cm, mm).
Number of cylinders: Enter the project value used by the calculation.
Waste allowance: Enter the project value in %.
Material density: Enter the project value in lb/cu ft.
Bag yield: Enter the project value in cu ft/bag.
Truck capacity: Enter the project value in cu yd.
Price per bag: Enter the project value in $.

COMMON MISTAKES

Checks that prevent bad estimates

Mixing units or entering a measurement in a different unit than the selected field unit.
Using a planning default when the exact manufacturer or supplier specification is available.
Rounding intermediate measurements too early instead of rounding the final purchase quantity.
Ignoring waste, compaction, cuts, laps, settlement, or full-package rounding where the project requires them.

SOURCES & REVIEW

How this estimate is supported

The implemented formula, assumptions, and worked example on this page are the calculator-specific reference. BuildYard's broader rules are documented in the Calculation Methodology and Sources & References.

For material density, coverage, yield, dimensions, package quantity, price, and other product-specific values, the current manufacturer or supplier specification should override a planning default.

Last reviewed: September 15, 2026, as part of the site-wide calculator workflow validation pass. See the BuildYard Changelog.

LEARN THE METHOD

Guides related to this calculator

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COMMON QUESTIONS

Concrete Pier Calculator FAQ

What does the Concrete Pier Calculator calculate?

It converts the measurements for deck, porch, and foundation piers into the buying units normally used for concrete for cylindrical piers, with the relevant waste, package, weight, or cost outputs shown on the result card.

How accurate is this concrete pier calculator?

The geometry is calculated from the values you enter. Final ordering accuracy still depends on field measurements, supplier density or coverage, product dimensions, compaction, cuts, and the selected allowance.

What should I verify for deck, porch, and foundation piers?

Measure the drilled or formed diameter and actual depth for each matching pier group. Confirm the selected product, field conditions, and purchasing increments before placing the order.

Should I round the result up?

Yes for indivisible buying units such as bags, sheets, bundles, pallets, boxes, bars, and truck loads. The calculator rounds those purchase quantities up automatically.

KEEP ESTIMATING

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