Post Hole Concrete Calculator

Calculate how many yards or how many bags of concrete you’ll need for a set of post holes by entering the post diameter and hole size.

If you’re not sure what size hole to dig, a rule of thumb is to use a hole diameter three times the post diameter and ¹⁄₃ as deep as the post height.

By

Joe Sexton

Joe is the creator of Inch Calculator and has over 20 years of experience in engineering and construction. He holds several degrees and certifications.

Full bio

How to Use the Post Hole Calculator

Use the post hole estimator to quickly find out how much concrete you will need to set your fence posts. Enter your post and hole dimensions in any units.

The calculator will give you the results in cubic yards and the number of pre-mixed bags of concrete (40 lb, 60 lb, and 80 lb bags).

To ensure that your posts are sturdy for a long time to come, remember to make your holes three times the diameter of your post and ¹⁄₃ as deep as your fence. So, a six-foot high fence needs holes a minimum of two feet deep.

Order additional material to account for settling and spillage. If you have many posts to set, it may pay you to mix the concrete yourself. Or, if you need a cubic yard or more, order mixed and delivered.

Concrete contractors can provide estimates for delivering and installing cement for your post project.

How Much Concrete Do You Need Per Fence Post?

Concrete is sold pre-made (and usually delivered) by the cubic yard or in pre-mixed bags by weight.

To calculate how much concrete you need, you need to know the post size you are going to use and how many posts you are installing. Your post diameter and height determine how big each hole needs to be.

As stated above, fence post holes should be three times the diameter of your post and ¹⁄₃ as deep as your post.

First, you need to calculate the volume for the post hole. Then calculate the volume for the part of the post that will be submerged in the hole. Make sure all your units are the same!

To easily use the table above, convert your units to feet if they aren’t already. Use our calculators to quickly convert inches, yards, or meters to feet.

Post Hole Volume Formulas

Use these formulas to calculate volume or, for round holes, use our cylinder cubic yardage calculator.

Rectangle:
volume = length × width × depth

Cylinder:
volume = radius² × π × depth (π = 3.14)

Calculate Concrete Volume

With the volume of the submerged post and the volume of the hole figured out, subtract the post volume from the hole volume, and you will have the volume of concrete needed for each hole.

Simply multiply that amount times the number of posts to get a total quantity. Don’t forget to add in some extra for spillage and waste.

If you have multiple different size post holes to fill, calculate each set with matching dimensions separately, then add the totals together.

Example Fence Post Concrete Calculation

Let’s use an example to illustrate what we covered above. Let’s assume you’re installing a 6-foot high fence, where 2 feet of the post will be in the ground, and you will need twenty (20) 4″ nominal round posts.

Note that 4″ posts are actually 3 ½ in diameter. Use the formulas above for volume.

Most people find it easier to find cubic feet first, then convert it to cubic yards; if so, divide the cubic footage by 27.

How Many Bags of Concrete Do You Need Per Fence Post

Most concrete suppliers will not sell fractions of a yard of concrete, though it is worth asking about. So, in this example, you would want to buy bags.

Using the table below, you would need to buy at least eight 80 lb. bags and one 40 lb. bag (yielding a total of 5.1 cubic feet) of concrete to allow enough for extra.

Pre-Mix Bag Concrete Yield

The following table shows the approximate yield of mixed concrete for common bag weights.

Tips For Ordering Concrete

Consider these tips to ensure your concrete installation goes smoothly.

Type of Concrete and its Proper Installation

This depends on the application and the climate where you live. Colder temperatures need longer curing times; sandy soils need different shaped holes; more extreme freeze/thaw cycles need higher strength concrete than more temperate regions.

Your concrete supplier can advise you on the proper mix to use for your project and region.

Additional Costs

For ready-mix concrete delivery, there are typically additional fees for delivery, weekend service, small loads, and overtime for long unloading times. Discuss these issues with your concrete supplier ahead of time so that you have a clear understanding of costs and can plan accordingly.

Additional Concrete

Order extra concrete (overage) for your project. The amount of overage you plan for will vary based on your quantity, but plan for at least 10% overage to accommodate spillage, settling, and grading inconsistencies.

This will save you from a bad pour (concrete installed in parts resulting in a separated, weak mass) in the event that your estimates are even slightly off.

Allocate Enough Time

Finally, digging can be hard, time-consuming work. Allow plenty of time to dig all the post holes for the project before the concrete is delivered or mixed.

Mixed concrete that must sit before being poured into place can partially or even fully set. This can result in significant waste from hardened, unused concrete or create air pockets and compromised strength from pouring concrete that is too thick.