Post Hole Concrete Calculator — m, kg bags, cost

Dimensions in mm, cm · Volume per hole · 20/25/50 kg bags · Cost estimate
EN 1992-1-1 (Eurocode 2)
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How to use this calculator

Select your post size, hole diameter, hole depth, and number of posts. The calculator subtracts the post volume from the hole to determine exact concrete needed. Choose your preferred bag size (20, 25, or 50 kg) for accurate bag counts.

Post size — common metric post sizes are 90×90 mm and 140×140 mm.
Hole diameter — should be approximately 3× the post width.
Waste — add 10% for spillage and uneven holes.

50 kg ≈ 0.024 m³ 25 kg ≈ 0.012 m³ 20 kg ≈ 0.010 m³ Hole ≥ 3× post width
Post & Hole Dimensions
%
Post Hole Diagram
$Cost Estimate
Per Hole
Hole Volume
liters
Post Volume
liters
Concrete per Hole
liters
Bags per Hole
bags
Project Total
Total Concrete Volume
liters
Total Volume (m³)
Total Bags Needed
bags
Total Weight
kg

Saved Calculations

TimePostsHoleBags/HoleTotal BagsCost
No saved calculations

How to Calculate Concrete for Post Holes (Metric)

This calculator determines the exact amount of concrete needed for fence posts, deck posts, or any post set in concrete. It calculates the cylindrical hole volume, subtracts the square or round post volume, and converts to bags of premixed concrete.

Formulas Used

Hole volume: V = π × (diameter/2)² × depth
Square post volume: V = side² × depth
Round post volume: V = π × (diameter/2)² × depth
Concrete needed: hole volume − post volume + waste

Bag Yields

20 kg bag ≈ 0.010 m³ (10 liters), 25 kg bag ≈ 0.012 m³ (12 liters), 50 kg bag ≈ 0.024 m³ (24 liters). Based on standard premixed concrete at 2,100 kg/m³ yield density.

FAQ

How deep should a post hole be? General rule: 1/3 of total post length underground, minimum 60 cm for fence posts. Below frost line for structural posts per local building codes.

How wide should the hole be? Approximately 3× the post width. For a 90×90 mm post, use a 250–300 mm diameter hole.

Misha Noyr, M.Eng.

Misha Noyr, M.Eng.

Civil Engineer · 15+ yrs · structural design, geotechnics. Full bio →