Concrete Wall Footing Calculator
Estimate concrete volume, bags, footprint, form area, placed weight and cost for a continuous rectangular wall footing.
Default project preview
2.44 yd³
Concrete bags
110
Base concrete
2.22 yd³
Footprint area
90 ft²
Side form area
80 ft²
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.
Total footing length
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 60 ft.
Footing width
Enter this project assumption in in. The current imperial default is 18 in.
Footing thickness
Enter this project assumption in in. The current imperial default is 8 in.
Equal footing runs
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 1. 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: 110.
Base concrete
before allowance. Default preview: 2.22 yd³.
Footprint area
length × width. Default preview: 90 ft².
Side form area
two long faces. Default preview: 80 ft².
Placed weight
planning density. Default preview: 9,889 lb.
Cost comparison
ready-mix / bags. Default preview: $403.33 / $770.00.
Methodology
Transparent calculation
BuildMeter converts every input to a consistent internal unit, applies the selected allowance, and rounds products up to whole purchasable units.
Footing volume = total length × width × thickness × number of runs. Add the selected allowance, then round bag quantity up.
Reviewed project guidance
How to use this estimate in a real project
Last reviewed: July 30, 2026
Estimate concrete volume for continuous wall footings from centerline length, footing width and depth, including steps or widened sections as separate segments. Footing size and bearing requirements require approved design.
Calculation steps
- 1Measure footing centerline length by segment.
- 2Apply the designed width and depth to each segment.
- 3Add steps, pads and widened intersections separately.
- 4Combine volume, apply allowance and round to delivery increments.
Worked numerical example
A 120 ft footing 24 in wide and 10 in deep contains 200 ft³, or 7.41 yd³. With 8% allowance, plan about 8.0 yd³ before supplier rounding.
Purchasing and rounding
Coordinate excavation accuracy, reinforcement, keyways, sleeves and pour sequence. Over-excavation can materially increase volume in soil-formed footings.
Interpret the result
Concrete volume does not establish soil bearing, frost depth, reinforcement or wall stability.
Page-specific assumptions
- Footing dimensions come from approved drawings.
- Segment overlaps are not double-counted.
- Excavation variation is handled by the allowance.
Common mistakes
- Using outside perimeter and double-counting corners.
- Ignoring stepped footing segments.
- Ordering exact geometric volume for earth-formed trenches.
- Sizing footing from wall thickness alone.
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.
BuildMeter Guides
Understand the measurements and assumptions
Use these visible reference guides before changing project inputs or planning allowances.
FAQ
Concrete Wall Footing Calculator questions
Can this determine the required footing width?+
No. Required width depends on wall loads, soil bearing capacity and the structural design.
Should corners be counted twice?+
Measure the continuous centerline carefully and avoid overlapping the same corner volume.
Does it include a keyway or thickened section?+
No. Estimate additional shapes separately and add their volumes.