Concrete Bollard Footing Calculator
Estimate concrete volume, bags, drilled depth, post displacement, placed weight and cost for cylindrical bollard footings.
Default project preview
1.15 yd³
Concrete bags
52
Net base volume
1.05 yd³
Gross hole volume
1.18 yd³
Bollard displacement
3.53 ft³
Calculator
Build the material order
Your order will appear here
Enter the project details and calculate a rounded material estimate.
Input and output guide
What each value means
The labels and units below are part of this calculator’s visible methodology. Replace every default with measurements or product data from the actual project.
Footing-hole diameter
Enter this project assumption in in. The current imperial default is 18 in.
Footing depth
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 3 ft.
Embedded bollard diameter
Enter this project assumption in in. The current imperial default is 6 in.
Embedded bollard depth
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 3 ft.
Bollard footings
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 6. Minimum: 1.
Extra allowance
Enter this project assumption in %. The current imperial default is 10 %. Minimum: 0. Maximum: 50.
Concrete yield per bag
Enter this project assumption in ft³. The current imperial default is 0.6 ft³.
Ready-mix price
Enter this project assumption in per yd³. The current imperial default is 165 per yd³. Minimum: 0.
Price per bag
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 7. Minimum: 0.
How to read the outputs
Concrete bags
rounded full bags. Default preview: 52.
Net base volume
post displacement deducted. Default preview: 1.05 yd³.
Gross hole volume
before displacement. Default preview: 1.18 yd³.
Bollard displacement
embedded cylinder volume. Default preview: 3.53 ft³.
Total drilled depth
all footings. Default preview: 18 ft.
Placed weight
planning density. Default preview: 4,660 lb.
Cost comparison
ready-mix / bags. Default preview: $190.07 / $364.00.
Methodology
Transparent calculation
BuildMeter converts every input to a consistent internal unit, applies the selected allowance, and rounds products up to whole purchasable units.
Net concrete = cylindrical hole volume − embedded post volume. Quantity and allowance are applied before ready-mix conversion and bag rounding.
Reviewed project guidance
How to use this estimate in a real project
Last reviewed: July 30, 2026
Estimate concrete volume for cylindrical or rectangular bollard footings from diameter, depth and quantity. Footing dimensions, reinforcement and vehicle-impact performance must come from the approved design.
Calculation steps
- 1Confirm the designed footing shape and dimensions.
- 2Calculate one footing volume using the correct geometry.
- 3Multiply by bollard quantity and add any collars or slabs separately.
- 4Apply placement allowance and round to supplier or batch increments.
Worked numerical example
Eight circular footings 18 in in diameter and 4 ft deep contain about 56.5 ft³, or 2.09 yd³. With 10% allowance, plan about 2.30 yd³.
Purchasing and rounding
Coordinate excavation, sleeves, bollards, reinforcement and concrete placement before ordering. Small isolated holes may have substantial over-excavation and spillage allowance.
Interpret the result
The result is concrete volume only. It does not establish impact rating, embedment, reinforcement, spacing or foundation adequacy.
Page-specific assumptions
- Footing dimensions come from approved details.
- Excavations are reasonably close to design size.
- Bollard displacement is not deducted unless significant.
Common mistakes
- Sizing the footing from bollard diameter alone.
- Ignoring enlarged or collapsed excavations.
- Confusing bollard embedment with footing depth.
- Treating material quantity as impact design.
Primary and technical references
BuildMeter provides planning estimates, not engineering, architectural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, permit or code approval. Review the methodology and verify final decisions with product documentation and qualified professionals.
FAQ
Concrete Bollard Footing Calculator questions
Why subtract bollard displacement?+
The embedded post occupies space that would otherwise be filled with concrete.
Does this determine the required footing size?+
No. Soil, loading, reinforcement and embedment require project-specific design.
Can I estimate sleeved bollards?+
Use the outside diameter of the embedded sleeve or assembly.