Concrete · updated 2026
Basketball Hoop Concrete Calculator
An in-ground basketball hoop is only as solid as its footing — a wobbly pole ruins the whole setup. This calculator sizes the concrete footing for a basketball hoop (or a mailbox post): enter your hole diameter and depth and it returns the volume plus the number of 60-lb and 80-lb bags to buy, with current costs. Most hoop manufacturers spec a 24-in diameter hole at least 36–48 in deep; when in doubt, follow your hoop's manual — it overrides any rule of thumb here.
Most in-ground hoops spec a 24-in hole; mailbox posts need only 10–12 in
36–48 in for hoops; 30–36 in for mailbox posts — below frost line in cold climates
Show the math
Radius = 24 ÷ 24 = 1 ft
Volume per hole = π × 1² × (48 ÷ 12) = 12.57 ft³
Total volume = 12.57 × 1 = 12.57 ft³
80-lb bags = 12.57 ÷ 0.6 = 21 (rounded up — an 80-lb bag yields 0.6 cu ft)
What the numbers mean
The total volume is the space inside all of your round holes. Because holes are cylindrical, a small change in diameter can change the concrete quantity quickly.
Bag counts are rounded up because concrete is sold in whole bags. The 80-lb estimate uses a 0.6 cu ft yield; the 60-lb estimate uses a 0.45 cu ft yield.
The price range is for the seeded 80-lb bag price multiplied by the rounded bag count. Add posts, delivery, and any local tax separately.
2026 material prices
| Material | 2026 average price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 80-lb concrete mix bag | $6.47 – $7.58 / bag | Quikrete #110180 at Home Depot, Sep 2026 |
| 60-lb concrete mix bag | $5.00 – $6.00 / bag | Same source |
Material prices: Home Depot, Sep 2026. National averages; local prices vary. 2026 U.S. national averages. Prices vary by region and retailer — confirm locally before buying.
Pro tips
- Follow your hoop manufacturer's footing spec first — it overrides these defaults and protects your warranty.
- Set the anchor kit or J-bolts into the wet concrete; the pole bolts on after curing, never bury the pole itself.
- Crown the concrete slightly above grade and slope it away from the pole so water drains off.
- For a single hole, fast-setting mix lets you mount the hoop the next day; standard mix needs 3–7 days for full strength.
- Call 811 before digging — the footing location is exactly where utilities like to run.
- In windy areas, go deeper rather than wider — depth resists the lever action of the pole.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How much concrete for an in-ground basketball hoop?
Most manufacturers spec a 24-in diameter hole 48 in deep — about 12.6 cu ft, or 21 eighty-lb bags. Check your hoop’s manual for its exact spec.
How deep should a basketball hoop footing be?
36–48 in in most of the US, and below the frost line in cold climates. Shallow footings heave and loosen the pole.
Can I use fast-setting concrete for a basketball hoop?
Yes — it is ideal for single-hole projects. You can typically mount the pole the next day, versus 3–7 days for standard mix.
How much concrete for a mailbox post?
A typical 12-in diameter, 36-in deep hole needs about 4 eighty-lb bags (2.4 cu ft). Enter your exact dimensions above.
Should the pole go directly into the concrete?
No — set an anchor kit or J-bolts in the wet concrete and bolt the pole on after curing. Buried steel rusts and cannot be replaced.
How long before I can mount the hoop?
24 hours for fast-setting mix; 3–7 days for standard mix to reach working strength.
Related calculators
Planning estimates only. Prices are 2026 U.S. national averages and vary by region — confirm with your local supplier before buying.