Sono Tube Calculator

Calculate the exact concrete volume and number of bags needed for your Sonotube forms. Instantly find the required cubic feet, cubic yards, and estimated 60lb/80lb bags for any tube size.

Tube Diameter:

Tube Height:

Number of Rebar Sections:

Rebar Diameter:

Required Concrete Volume

XX.XX cubic ft

Cubic Feet

YY.YY cubic yd

Cubic Yards

Total Bags Needed

NN (80lb mix)

(80lb mix) (approx)

MM (60lb mix)

(60lb mix) (approx)

How to Calculate Sonotube Concrete Needs

Select Calculation Mode: Use Basic for quick volume estimates or Advanced to account for rebar displacement, ensuring precise concrete ordering.

Input Tube Dimensions: Enter the diameter (width) and height of your Sonotube form. Switch between Imperial (inches/feet) and Metric units as needed.

Account for Rebar (Advanced): If reinforcing your column, input the number and thickness of rebar rods. The calculator subtracts this volume to prevent over-ordering.

View Volume & Bag Count: Instantly see the total cubic feet/yards required and the exact number of 60lb or 80lb pre-mix concrete bags to purchase.

Sonotube Concrete Formula

Understanding the math prevents ordering too little concrete. Below is the standard cylinder volume formula used to calculate the cubic footage and bag requirements for your footings.

Cylinder Volume Formula

Volume = π × Radius² × Height

1 π (Pi): Approximately 3.14159.
2 Radius (r): The diameter of the Sonotube divided by 2 (usually converted to feet).
3 Height (h): The total depth or length of the concrete column.

Concrete Bag Yields

Once volume is calculated, divide it by the "Yield" of your concrete mix to find the number of bags needed. Standard pre-mix yields are:

Bag Weight	Approximate Yield
80lb Bag	0.60 cubic feet
60lb Bag	0.45 cubic feet
50lb Bag	0.37 cubic feet

*Note: Always round up to the nearest whole bag to account for waste.

Calculation Example (12" Tube)

If you have a Sonotube with a 12" Diameter and a 4' Height:

1. Find Radius in Feet: 12" = 1 foot diameter -> 0.5 ft radius.
2. Calculate Volume: 3.14159 × (0.5)² × 4 = 3.14 cubic feet.
3. Calculate Bags (80lb): 3.14 / 0.60 = 5.23 bags.
You would need to purchase 6 bags (rounding up) to fill this form.

Quick Reference: Bags per Foot of Height

Use this chart to estimate concrete volume and bag counts per linear foot. Helpful for quick planning of standard Sonotube sizes.

Tube Size (Dia)	Volume per Foot	80lb Bags / ft	60lb Bags / ft
6" 15 cm	0.20 ft³	0.33	0.44
8" 20 cm	0.35 ft³	0.60	0.80
10" 25 cm	0.55 ft³	0.92	1.20
12" 30 cm	0.79 ft³	1.30	1.75
14" 35 cm	1.07 ft³	1.80	2.40
16" 40 cm	1.40 ft³	2.35	3.10
18" 45 cm	1.77 ft³	2.95	3.90
24" 60 cm	3.14 ft³	5.25	7.00

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Sono Tube Calculator?

A "Sonotube calculator" (or "sono tube volume calculator") is a tool used to determine the exact "sonotube concrete" volume needed for cylindrical forms. It functions as a precise "sonotube cement calculator", ensuring you don't overspend on materials by calculating the exact cubic yardage required.

How many bags of cement do I need for my project?

Our "sonotube calculator bags" feature is designed for this specific need. It functions as a "sonotube cement calculator" that converts the total volume into the precise number of 60lb or 80lb pre-mix bags required, saving you from doing manual math.

How much does a filled Sonotube weigh?

Concrete is heavy. Our "tube calculator weight" feature estimates the total load by multiplying the volume from the "sonotube concrete calculator" by the density of wet concrete (typically 150 lbs per cubic foot), helping you plan for structural support.

Can I calculate for multiple footings at once?

Absolutely! Our "sonotube calculator" aggregates the total volume for multiple columns. This is essential for large projects where you need a cumulative "sonotube cement calculator" result for the entire foundation.

Does this calculator measure volume or square feet?

While the primary function is a "sono tube volume calculator" (measuring 3D space for concrete), the "sonotube calculator" can also provide the cross-sectional area in "sonotube calculator square feet", which is useful for determining the footprint on the soil.

How many bags of concrete do I need for an 8-inch Sonotube?

The exact count depends on the height. However, using the "sonotube calculator bags" function is the fastest way to figure this out for specific sizes like 8, 10, or 12 inches. It automatically converts the "sono tube volume calculator" results into the specific number of bags needed.

What sizes do Sonotubes come in?

Standard inputs for a "sonotube calculator" typically range from 6 inches to 36 inches in diameter. Choosing the right size is critical, as it directly impacts the volume output of the "sonotube concrete calculator" and the structural load capacity.

Should I use bagged concrete or ready mix?

This depends on the total volume. If the "sonotube calculator bags" result shows you need less than 30 bags, pre-mix is usually cheaper. If the "sonotube concrete calculator" shows a requirement of over 1 cubic yard, ordering a ready-mix truck is often more efficient.

How much extra concrete should I order?

When using a "sonotube concrete calculator", it is best practice to add 5-10% to the total volume. This accounts for spillage, uneven subgrades, or slight bowing of the tube, ensuring you don't run short based on the strict "sono tube volume calculator" numbers.

How do I cut a Sonotube to size?

While the "sonotube calculator" helps you plan the height, you often buy standard lengths. You can cut them easily with a handsaw or circular saw. Ensure you cut straight so the calculation for the "sonotube calculator square feet" (footprint) remains accurate for leveling.