Cylinder Volume in Cubic Feet Calculator
Calculate cylinder volume directly in cubic feet (ft³). Cubic feet represent the standard measurement unit for dry bulk materials, civil excavation, concrete column pours, agricultural silos, air compressor receiver tanks, and spatial HVAC capacities. Enter your radius or diameter and height in feet or inches below to compute exact cubic footage.
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Calculating dry volume, excavation, and structural space in cubic feet
While liquids are primarily measured in gallons, solid materials and three-dimensional construction spaces are universally calculated in cubic feet (ft³).
Civil engineers, general contractors, concrete finishers, and mechanical technicians use cubic feet to order ready-mix concrete for round sonotube piers, estimate excavated earth from auger drilling, and size compressed air receiver vessels.
When estimating materials for structural foundation columns, check our concrete column volume estimation guide. If calculating soil haulage for drilled piers, consult how much dirt comes out of a borehole.
The cubic feet calculation formulas explained
Depending on whether your job site tape measure readings are in feet or inches, use the matching cubic feet formula below:
From Dimensions in Feet (Radius): Volume (ft³) = π × r² × h (where radius r and height h are in feet).
From Dimensions in Feet (Diameter): Volume (ft³) = (π / 4) × d² × h ≈ 0.785398 × d² × h (where diameter d and height h are in feet).
From Dimensions in Inches (Radius): Volume (ft³) = (π × r² × h) ÷ 1,728 (because 1 cubic foot contains 12 × 12 × 12 = 1,728 cubic inches).
From Dimensions in Inches (Diameter): Volume (ft³) = (π × d² × h) ÷ 6,912 ≈ (0.785398 × d² × h) ÷ 1,728.
Converting Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards: Divide total cubic feet by 27: Cubic Yards (yd³) = ft³ ÷ 27.
Cylindrical structural and bulk material reference table
The reference table below displays standard construction sonotube sizes, foundation pier dimensions, and industrial silos with their calculated volume in cubic feet and cubic yards:
| Structural Element Description | Diameter | Height / Depth | Volume (Cubic Feet) | Volume (Cubic Yards) | Concrete Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-Inch Deck Sonotube Pier | 8 inches | 4.0 feet | 1.40 ft³ | 0.052 yd³ | 203 lbs |
| 10-Inch Deck Sonotube Pier | 10 inches | 4.0 feet | 2.18 ft³ | 0.081 yd³ | 316 lbs |
| 12-Inch Structural Column | 12 inches | 8.0 feet | 6.28 ft³ | 0.233 yd³ | 911 lbs |
| 16-Inch Heavy Foundation Caisson | 16 inches | 10.0 feet | 13.96 ft³ | 0.517 yd³ | 2,024 lbs |
| 24-Inch Bridge Pier Column | 24 inches | 12.0 feet | 37.70 ft³ | 1.396 yd³ | 5,466 lbs |
| Bored Soil Foundation Hole | 18 inches | 15.0 feet | 26.51 ft³ | 0.982 yd³ | 3,844 lbs |
| Compressed Air Receiver Tank | 30 inches | 6.0 feet | 29.45 ft³ | 1.091 yd³ | N/A (Air) |
| Small Farm Grain Storage Silo | 12.0 feet | 20.0 feet | 2,261.95 ft³ | 83.776 yd³ | N/A (Grain) |
Material density and weight conversions for bulk solids
Cubic footage is the direct starting point for estimating material weight and ordering trucking haulage:
• Standard Ready-Mix Concrete: Weighs approximately 145 to 150 lbs per cubic foot (3,915 to 4,050 lbs per cubic yard).
• Loose Excavated Earth / Soil: Weighs approximately 75 to 90 lbs per cubic foot depending on moisture content.
• Compacted Crushed Stone / Gravel: Weighs approximately 95 to 105 lbs per cubic foot.
• Grain / Wheat in Silos: Weighs approximately 48 lbs per cubic foot (roughly 0.8 bushels per cubic foot).
When to choose liquid gallon tools and conversion guides
If your cylindrical vessel is intended for water, fuel, or liquid chemicals, use our specialized Cylinder Volume in Gallons Calculator. To explore full conversion tables between cubic feet and liquid gallons across various industries, read our Cylinder Capacity Gallons and Cubic Feet Guide.
Excavation expansion and soil swell factors in cubic feet
When drilling a cylindrical hole for a foundation pier or fence post with an auger, the excavated earth expands as it is broken up. This increase in volume is known as the soil swell factor.
A cylindrical borehole with an 18-inch diameter (1.5 feet) and a 10-foot depth has an in-place geometric volume of: V = (π / 4) × 1.5² × 10 = 17.67 cubic feet. When augered out of the ground, loose clay or loam soil expands by 20 to 30 percent, requiring roughly 22 to 23 cubic feet of wheelbarrow haulage and disposal space.
Always factor in material swell when estimating trucking and dumpster containers for cylindrical excavation projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic feet are in a cylinder 12 inches wide and 10 feet tall?
A 12-inch diameter cylinder has a 6-inch radius (0.5 feet). Volume = π × 0.5² × 10 = 7.854 cubic feet (0.291 cubic yards).
How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards for concrete ordering?
Divide the total cubic feet by 27. For example, 54 cubic feet divided by 27 equals exactly 2.0 cubic yards of concrete.
Why do I divide by 1,728 when calculating from inches?
There are 12 inches in a foot, so one cubic foot contains 12 × 12 × 12 = 1,728 cubic inches. Dividing cubic inches by 1,728 converts the volume to cubic feet.
How do I convert cubic feet of water to US gallons?
Multiply cubic feet by 7.48052. For example, 10 cubic feet holds 74.81 US liquid gallons of water.
How many 80 lb bags of concrete are needed for one cubic foot?
An 80-pound bag of premixed concrete yields approximately 0.60 cubic feet. You need approximately 1.67 bags to yield one complete cubic foot.