How to Use This Footing Estimate

Quick steps to prepare and pour a 14" x 14" x 24" footing:

1. Mark and dig the hole to 14" × 14" and 24" deep, keeping sides straight and the bottom level.
2. Compact the soil at the bottom and add a few inches of compacted gravel if required by your local practice.
3. Set simple formwork or use a temporary box to hold the concrete at the correct dimensions.
4. Add any required reinforcement (rebar or rebar cage) per engineer or code instructions.
5. Mix bags of concrete or have the planned ready mix on hand, and place concrete, consolidating to remove air pockets.
6. Screed or strike off the top, float as needed, and finish edges. Let cure per manufacturer recommendations.

Formula

Volume for a rectangular footing is calculated as length × width × depth. Convert all dimensions to feet first, then multiply: 1.1667 ft × 1.1667 ft × 2.0 ft.

The footprint area is 1.1667 × 1.1667 = 1.3611 square feet. Multiply area by depth: 1.3611 × 2 = 2.7222 cubic feet total concrete for one footing.

Convert cubic feet to cubic yards by dividing by 27: 2.7222 ÷ 27 = 0.1008 cubic yards. Add the default 10% waste factor by multiplying by 1.10: 2.7222 × 1.10 = 2.9944 cubic feet, which equals 0.1109 cubic yards when converted.

Worked Example

Single footing example: one 14" x 14" x 24" footing needs 2.7222 cubic feet (0.1008 cubic yards). Including 10% waste, plan for 2.9944 cubic feet (0.1109 cubic yards), which corresponds to 10 40‑lb bags, 7 60‑lb bags, or 5 80‑lb bags.

Multiple footings example: three identical footings need 3 × 2.7222 = 8.1666 cubic feet total. That converts to 0.3024 cubic yards (8.1666 ÷ 27). With 10% waste plan for 3 × 2.9944 = 8.9832 cubic feet, or 0.3327 cubic yards; bag planning scales accordingly to 30 40‑lb bags, 21 60‑lb bags, or 15 80‑lb bags.

Bag Count Estimate

• 5 bags of 80 lb concrete mix
• 7 bags of 60 lb concrete mix
• 10 bags of 40 lb concrete mix

Always verify the actual yield on the product label before buying materials.

When Bagged Concrete vs Ready-Mix Makes Sense

For a single 14" x 14" x 24" footing the planning volume is only 0.1109 cubic yards. That small volume often makes bagged concrete the most convenient choice: you can mix only what you need and avoid large leftover loads.

Ready‑mix concrete can be efficient when pouring multiple footings at once or when you need tight mix control and admixtures, but suppliers frequently have minimum order sizes and delivery constraints that exceed 0.1109 yd³. For several footings or continuous pours, ready mix reduces on‑site mixing time and improves consistency.

Choose bags for one or two small footings and ready mix when you’re pouring multiple footings or want a machine‑mixed finish; always compare total cost and waste before deciding.

Common Uses for This Footing Size

A 14x14x24 footing is commonly used for supporting deck posts, pergola posts, fence posts, and small porch columns. Its size fits well for single-point supports where the load isn’t too heavy. This footing can handle typical residential structures like wood posts or light metal posts that hold up overhead beams or railings. It’s often chosen when you need a footing that’s deeper than a slab but not too wide, making it a practical choice for many outdoor projects around the house.

Whether this footing size works depends on several factors. The weight of what you’re supporting, the type of soil, how deep the frost line is in your area, and whether reinforcement like rebar is needed all play a role. Local building codes may also have specific requirements that affect footing size and depth. Checking these details helps ensure the footing meets the needs of your particular project.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common mistakes to avoid when planning this footing:

• Skipping the 10% waste allowance and coming up short on site.
• Failing to compact or prepare the bottom, which reduces bearing capacity.
• Leaving out required reinforcement or spacing it incorrectly.
• Ordering ready mix without checking minimum delivery quantities for a 0.1109 yd³ job.
• Mixing bags too wet or too dry — follow the manufacturer’s water‑to‑mix guidance.
• Not protecting the pour from rapid drying or freezing during the initial cure period.