Concrete & Masonry

Post Hole Concrete Calculator: Volume and Bags per Post

Calculate net concrete around round posts in cylindrical holes, then round to common premix bag counts.

Maintained by Home Measure Lab Editorial TeamUpdated Method & corrections

Project measurements

Change the defaults to match your project and the product you plan to buy.

Project result

Your post-hole concrete plan

See net concrete volume for all holes and whole 80 lb / 60 lb premix bag estimates.

Planning estimate only. Verify product coverage, package size, supplier specifications and project requirements before purchasing.

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Choose the right tool

When to use this calculator

You know the diameter, depth and number of cylindrical post holes and need concrete volume/bags.

Use a different calculator when

Use Fence Post to determine post spacing first; use Concrete Calculator for a rectangular slab or pad.

Methodology

Formula & assumptions

Hole volume

π × radius² × depth × hole count

Converts entered inches to feet internally.

Post displacement

π × post radius² × depth × hole count

Subtracts the cylindrical post volume.

Planned concrete

net volume × (1 + extra %)

Adds spill and irregular-hole allowance.

Bag count

ceiling(planned volume ÷ bag yield)

Rounds to whole premix bags.

How to measure this project

Measure hole diameter and depth at several locations when soil causes irregular excavation. Enter the post diameter for round posts; square posts need a separate displacement calculation. Record the dimensions you used and recheck any section that is irregular, tapered or interrupted before relying on the final quantity.

Before you buy materials

Footing dimensions depend on fence/deck loads, frost depth, soil and local codes. This calculator estimates material only and does not determine required hole dimensions. Compare the calculated target with the exact package, coverage and availability offered by the supplier, then round only at the final purchase step.

Reference

Post-hole concrete reference

Planning itemStarting pointVerify / adjust
80 lb premix yield≈0.60 ft³Verify bag label.
60 lb premix yield≈0.45 ft³Verify bag label.
Hole sizeSite/code-specificCalculator does not design footings.
Final order checkUse measured inputsConfirm package size, supplier coverage and project conditions.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Does the post volume matter?

Yes. Subtracting post displacement prevents counting concrete where the post occupies space.

Can I use square posts?

The current formula assumes round posts; for square posts, use a more specific footing calculation.

Does this tell me how deep to dig?

No. Required depth is a design/code question; enter the depth already determined for your project.

Next step

Keep this project moving

Follow the measurement into the most useful related reference, calculator or project view.

Planning guides

Understand the inputs behind this calculator

All guides →

Concrete & Masonry

Post Hole Concrete Volume Guide

Estimate concrete around fence or deck posts using hole diameter, depth and post displacement without treating every hole as a full cylinder.

Read guide →