Concrete wall calculator
Measure the wall pour itself, keeping the footing separate.
Calculating example…
Estimates only · see assumptions below
Your material estimate
Example estimate— yd³
- Cubic feet
- —
- Cubic meters
- —
Shape assumption. A solid rectangular wall without openings. Footings, hollow block cores, returns and separate posts are excluded.
Or use premix bags
Choose one row. Whole bags rounded up after waste.
| Bag size | Typical yield | Bags |
|---|---|---|
| 80 lb | 0.60 ft³ | — |
| 60 lb | 0.45 ft³ | — |
| 40 lb | 0.30 ft³ | — |
Typical values; use the yield on the bag label. These are concrete premix bags, not plain cement.
Volume × your $/yd³. Excludes tax, delivery, short-load fees, labor and equipment. Truck capacity and minimum orders vary.
Enter positive dimensions to see a material estimate.
Estimates only. Displayed volumes use 3 decimals; calculations and bag rounding use unrounded values. Confirm supplier increments before ordering. Not construction, commercial or tax advice.
How to calculate
- Measure the shape shown above. Use the unit labels beside each field.
- Choose a waste allowance from 0–30%. The example starts at 10%.
- Read the waste-adjusted volume or choose one bag size. Add a material price if you have a quote.
- Copy or print the estimate, then verify the mix yield and order increments with your supplier.
The formula
Volume (ft³) = wall length (ft) × pour height (ft) × thickness (in) ÷ 12. Cubic yards = ft³ ÷ 27.
Waste-adjusted volume = measured volume × (1 + waste percent ÷ 100). One cubic foot is 0.028316846592 cubic meters. Bag counts round up once; displayed volumes round to three decimals.
Worked example
20 ft × 4 ft × (8 ÷ 12) ft = 53.333333 ft³. With 10% waste: 58.666667 ft³ ÷ 27 = 2.172840 yd³ and 98 typical 80 lb bags.
Ready-mix material cost = waste-adjusted cubic yards × your price per cubic yard. A bag cost, when entered, is whole bags × price per bag. Neither cost includes delivery, tax, short-load fees, labor or equipment.
Geometry estimates material only. It does not select concrete strength, reinforcement, dimensions or a construction method.
Frequently asked questions
Is this for poured walls or concrete blocks?
Poured solid walls. Block count and hollow-core fill require block dimensions and void fractions that this tool does not use.
Are doors or windows subtracted?
No. The input describes a solid rectangle. Subtract the volume of openings separately or divide the wall into nonoverlapping solid rectangles.
Is the footing included?
No. Use the footing calculator for the base. Measure the wall height from the top of that footing to avoid overlap.
Does reinforcement change the number?
The model does not subtract reinforcement displacement. Verify actual ordering and design assumptions with a qualified professional.
Which height should I enter?
Use the height of concrete to be poured, not a form dimension that extends above the finished wall.
Can this design a retaining wall?
No. It estimates volume only. Retaining walls need structural and drainage design appropriate to the site.