How to Calculate Concrete for Columns

If you're looking to add an elegant touch to the exterior of your home, look no further than adding columns. Columns are a great way to add to your house without spending too much time or money on a project. They can be customized the way you want, and will make any house look new and interesting. Learn how to calculate just how much concrete you'll need to build your own columns.

Instructions

How to Calculate Concrete for Columns

1. Break the column you want to build into shapes. For example, the entire thing could be one long cylinder, or it might be a cylinder with a rectangle on top for the roof to rest against. Determine the measurements of each of these shapes in height, width and length.

2. Calculate the volume for each shape. A cylinder, one of the most common shapes for a concrete column, uses the formula "pi * radius^2 * height". This means to take the number pi, multiply it by the radius of your column squared, and multiply that by the height of your column.

3. Add the volume of the shapes together to find the total volume for the column. You'll need to convert this number into cubic yards. If you calculated the volume in inches, divide your answer by 12 to convert it into feet. Then divide this answer by 27 to convert it into cubic yards.

4. Use a concrete column calculator to check your answer. A link for this can be found in the Resource section below. Type in the height and diameter of your column and click "Calculate." The calculator will tell you how many cubic yards you should need for your project.

5. Use the "block wall" and "concrete volume" calculators above the column calculator to calculate the amount of concrete needed if your project is not cylindrically shaped.

Tips & Warnings

• Concrete is sold in cubic yards, so you may need to buy slightly more concrete than you'll need for your project.

References

• Calculating Area and Volume

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Concrete Column Calculator