Deck Footing Calculator

Calculate concrete volume and bags needed for deck footing holes below the frost line.

Formula & Explanation

The deck footing calculator computes the volume of concrete needed to fill post holes. For circular holes: Volume = π × (radius)² × depth The radius is half the hole diameter. For example, a 12-inch diameter hole has a 6-inch (0.5-foot) radius. Concrete bags have standard yields: - 40 lb bag: yields 0.015 cubic feet - 60 lb bag: yields 0.045 cubic feet - 80 lb bag: yields 0.06 cubic feet Number of bags = Total Volume ÷ Bag Yield (rounded up) Note: Building codes typically require footings to be placed below the local frost line depth (2-4 feet in most climates) to prevent frost heave damage.

Assumptions

  • Frost line depth varies by location - verify your local building code (typically 2-4 feet in North America)
  • Hole diameter is measured as a circle; actual holes are typically round holes drilled into soil
  • Concrete yield values are standard for dry-mix bags; actual yield varies with water:cement ratio
  • Calculation assumes holes are filled to grade level
  • Safety factor not included; typical practice is to order 5% extra material
  • Post pads or brackets are not included in volume calculation

Example Calculation

Four footings at 3 feet deep with 12-inch diameter holes need approximately 9.4 cubic feet of concrete, requiring 158 bags of 80 lb concrete mix.

Inputs

quantity:4
depth:3
diameter:12
bagSize:80

Results

volumeCubicFeet:9.42
bagsNeeded:158.00

Minimum Frost Line Depth by Region and Climate Zone

regiondepthclimate
Southern US12 inchesWarm temperate
Texas/Oklahoma24-36 inchesModerate
Mid-Atlantic36-48 inchesCold temperate
Northern US (Great Lakes)48-60 inchesCold
Minnesota/Wisconsin60 inchesVery cold
Canada48-84 inchesArctic to cold
Pacific Northwest18-24 inchesMild/rainy

Frequently Asked Questions

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