Calculated result
0.75yd³
Ready-mix order
Formula
CONC-SONO-001π × (diameter ÷ 2)² × height × count ÷ 27 × (1 + waste) → ready-mix order
12.57 ft³
Net volume
Concrete calculator
Sonotube calculator
Sonotube calculator publishes formula CONC-SONO-001 version 1.0.0.
By Feroz Shiekh · Formula CONC-SONO-001 v1.0.0 · Internal QA complete · Planning only — not a supplier quote
Formula
CONC-SONO-001v1.0.0Project inputs
Enter field measurements. Imperial lengths take feet and inches. Unit conversion happens before the reviewed formula is applied.
All values can be refined when you edit the estimate. This tool does not replace field verification or local requirements.
Bag table · waste in
Counts round up. A cubic yard is 45 of 80 lb, 60 of 60 lb, 72 of 50 lb, 90 of 40 lb.
| Bag | Count |
|---|---|
| 40 lb | 47 |
| 50 lb | 37 |
| 60 lb | 31 |
| 80 lb | 24 |
Sonotube calculator publishes formula CONC-SONO-001 version 1.0.0. Sonotube calculator for solid cardboard-tube volume, ready-mix order and bags. Waste, rounding and the rate you type stay on the sheet so a quote letter can still explain the number. Add the line to an estimate. Planning takeoff only — not a code approval and not a live supplier price.
- Formula CONC-SONO-001 version 1.0.0 is the arithmetic on this sonotube calculator page and on the quote letter.
- Concrete takeoff: Solid cardboard-tube volume, ready-mix order and bags. Post-hole annulus is a different tool when a post occupies the hole. Waste and purchase rounding stay visible inputs, not hidden constants.
- Add the sonotube calculator result to an estimate, then send a quote letter — an old letter still explains itself.
- You type the unit rate. Construclytic does not fetch supplier prices for this concrete tool.
- Planning takeoff only. The sonotube calculator is not a code approval, mix design, or PE stamp.
Transparent cost view
No dummy crew rates. Totals stay at zero until you type a material or labour rate. Pick a currency — badges, inputs, and totals follow.
Costs use the unit rate you type. Construclytic does not connect to a supplier API. Indicative 2026 US ready-mix often lands around $125–165 per cubic yard delivered; place-and-finish commonly $2–4 per square foot. Replace every rate with a plant or crew quote before you send the letter. Qatar and GCC planning: switch the currency control to QAR, AED, SAR, KWD, OMR or BHD. Construclytic does not publish a live Gulf plant or labour index. Plant, block and crew rates in Doha, Dubai and Riyadh vary by plant and season — replace every number with a local quote.
How this calculator works
A transparent sonotube takeoff.
Feroz ShiekhWritten by Feroz Shiekh · founder
Each tube is a solid cylinder: π × (diameter ÷ 2)² × height × count. Ready-mix rounds to the next 0.25 yd³ after waste. The post is not subtracted.
CONC-SONO-001 is a solid cardboard-tube cylinder. The post is not subtracted. Post-hole is the annulus tool when a wood post occupies the hole. Mixing the two formulas shorts the truck. Ready-mix still rounds to the next 0.25 yd³ after waste.
Worked example. Example: four 12 in tubes filled 48 in with 10% waste round to a 0.75 yd³ ready-mix order.
- 1. Measure inside diameter of the form and the fill height, not the cardboard wall.
- 2. If a wood post occupies the hole, use the post-hole calculator instead.
- 3. Bag equivalents sit beside the truck quantity.
Field notes that change the number
- Measure inside diameter of the form and the fill height, not the cardboard wall.
- If a wood post occupies the hole, use the post-hole calculator instead.
- Diameter, depth and steel come from the approved design.
Common mistakes
- Using post-hole and subtracting a post that is not there.
- Treating this as a pier size or soil-bearing design.
- Ordering the net volume and skipping plant increments.
Need the broader workflow? Read the concrete planning guide.
Questions
Questions about sonotube
Why not post-hole?
Post-hole subtracts the post. A sonotube pier is usually poured solid. Mixing the two formulas short the truck.
Does this size the pier?
No. Diameter, depth and steel come from the approved design.
What is the formula ID?
This sonotube calculator publishes formula CONC-SONO-001, version 1.0.0. The ID stays on the result and on the estimate line.
Is this engineering advice?
No. The sonotube calculator is a planning takeoff. Construclytic is not a registered engineering or contracting firm. Field checks, codes and product data still sit with you.
Does Construclytic fetch live supplier prices?
No. Costs on the sonotube calculator use the rate you enter. Construclytic does not fetch live supplier prices.