Sonotube Concrete Cost Guide 2026
Estimate sonotube concrete cost by tube diameter, depth, hole count, 80 lb bags, ready-mix minimums, post bases, inspection, and quote checks.
Sonotube concrete cost starts with tube diameter and depth, then changes with hole count, waste, post bases, inspection, access, and whether the job is bagged concrete or ready-mix. A tube estimate should be separated from deck, porch, fence, sign, or pier labor.
Use the Concrete Post Hole Calculator for round tube volume and the How Many Bags of Concrete for a Post Hole? guide for a direct bag-count answer.
Competitor pages such as ConcreteCalculator.pro's sonotube size guide and ConcreteCalculatorMax's sonotube concrete calculator show that tube diameter and depth deserve their own estimating page.
Quick answer
A 12 inch diameter sonotube that is 48 inches deep needs about 0.13 yd3 with 10% waste, or about 6 common 80 lb bags. A 16 inch diameter tube at the same depth needs about 0.23 yd3 with waste, or about 11 common 80 lb bags.
| Tube size | With 10% waste | 80 lb bags per tube |
|---|---|---|
| 8 in dia x 48 in deep | 0.06 yd3 | 3 |
| 10 in dia x 48 in deep | 0.09 yd3 | 4 |
| 12 in dia x 48 in deep | 0.13 yd3 | 6 |
| 16 in dia x 48 in deep | 0.23 yd3 | 11 |
| 24 in dia x 48 in deep | 0.51 yd3 | 23 |
Use approved local dimensions. Tube diameter and depth can be set by load, frost, soil, and code.
Formula
cubic feet = 3.1416 x radius ft x radius ft x depth ft
cubic yards = cubic feet / 27
order quantity = cubic yards x 1.10
For multiple tubes:
total yards = yards per tube x number of tubes
If holes are over-dug wider than the tube, estimate the actual hole or the void around the tube separately.
Cost and scope checklist
| Quote line | Ask before approving |
|---|---|
| Tube diameter | Is the tube size based on approved plans? |
| Depth | Does it meet frost, soil, and inspection requirements? |
| Hole count | Include stairs, landings, porch posts, and extra supports. |
| Hardware | Post bases, anchor bolts, brackets, and embedment. |
| Placement | Bag mixing, ready-mix, buggy, pump, or wheelbarrow. |
| Inspection | Who schedules it, and when can concrete be placed? |
| Cleanup | Spoils, tube scraps, washout, and extra concrete. |
For deck-specific scope, read the Deck Footing Cost Guide.
Bags or ready-mix?
One or two tubes are usually bag-friendly. Many large tubes can quickly turn into a ready-mix comparison, but ready-mix minimums may make small tube jobs expensive. Use the Ready-Mix vs Bags Calculator when total bag count climbs.
FAQ
How many bags for a 12 inch sonotube?
At 48 inches deep, plan about 6 common 80 lb bags with 10% waste.
How many bags for a 16 inch sonotube?
At 48 inches deep, plan about 11 common 80 lb bags with 10% waste.
Does tube cost include digging?
Only if the quote says so. Concrete material is separate from layout, digging, tubes, inspection, hardware, and cleanup.
Next step
Enter tube count, diameter, and depth in the Concrete Post Hole Calculator, then compare the full scope in the Concrete Quote Reviewer.
Quote planning next step
Turn this guide into a concrete buying check
Run the matching calculator, then compare ready-mix, bagged concrete, delivery fees, access needs, and quote gaps before you buy materials or approve a contractor number.