Concrete footing calculator
Short answer
A 16" × 8" footing run 50 linear feet needs about 1.65 cubic yards of concrete (with 10% waste). Change the cross-section or length in the calculator for your exact footing.
Concrete by footing size (per 50 linear feet)
| Cross-section | Typical use | Yards / ft | Yards @ 50 ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12" × 6" | Shed / light load | 0.019 | 0.93 |
| 16" × 8" | 1-story wall | 0.033 | 1.65 |
| 20" × 10" | 1–2 story | 0.051 | 2.57 |
| 24" × 12" | 2-story / heavy | 0.074 | 3.7 |
Footing size follows the load and local code, and must sit below the frost line. Confirm dimensions with your building department before you pour.
Your exact footing
Open the concrete calculatorFrequently asked questions
How much concrete do I need for a footing?
It depends on the cross-section and length. A 24" × 12" footing run 50 linear feet takes about 3.7 cubic yards. Enter your width, depth, and length in the calculator for an exact figure.
How wide and deep should a footing be?
Footing size follows the load and local code — commonly 16–24" wide and 8–12" deep, and at least below the frost line. Confirm with your building department before you pour.
How do I calculate footing concrete?
Multiply width × depth × length (all in feet) for cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards, and add about 10% waste. The calculator’s footing shape does this for you.