Concrete Foundation Cost Worksheet

A foundation budget must follow the selected structural and moisture-control system, not footprint area alone. Use project dimensions to quantify concrete, then obtain local quotes for excavation, footings or slab, reinforcement, drainage, waterproofing, insulation, access and inspections; all dollar examples are assumed scenarios.

Key takeaways

  • Slab-on-grade, crawl-space, stem-wall and basement foundations have different quantities and functions.
  • Footing dimensions and reinforcement depend on loads, soil, frost and the applicable design.
  • Excavation, drainage, waterproofing, insulation and access must be visible in quote comparisons.
  • The concrete calculator quantifies approved dimensions; it does not design or price a complete foundation.
  • All square-foot rates and totals are illustrative assumptions, not market data.
Concrete foundation footings and formwork being poured on a residential construction site
Concrete Footing Calculator
Calculate concrete volume, bags and material cost from approved footing dimensions and an entered price.
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Concrete foundation cost by type

Foundation systems have different excavation, structural, moisture-control, insulation and access scopes. The table uses assumed rates only to demonstrate arithmetic for a 2,000 square foot footprint.

Illustrative calculation inputs only. Replace every price with a current, scope-matched local quote.
Foundation typeAssumed input per sq ftIllustrative 2,000 sq ft result
Slab-on-grade$6 to $14$12,000 to $28,000
Crawl space$15 to $22$30,000 to $44,000
Stem wall$6 to $21$12,000 to $42,000
Full basement (unfinished)$20 to $50$40,000 to $100,000+

System selection depends on the project, site and local requirements. For approved continuous-footing dimensions, the concrete footing calculator returns volume, bags, weight and optional material cost. It does not select or design a foundation.

Concrete footing cost per linear foot

Footing depth is set by local frost line and code, not preference, so it varies by climate and can add cost even on a simple slab job. If you are not sure how deep to dig, see how deep a footing should be for frost-depth guidance by region.

What drives the price up or down

State the foundation design, excavation, concrete, reinforcement, waterproofing and access in each quote.

Apply current rates only to the foundation design, excavation, concrete, reinforcement, waterproofing and access.

Footing width also scales with soil bearing capacity. Weaker or sandy soils need a wider footing to spread the load, which is covered in how wide a footing should be.

A concrete contractor troweling a freshly poured foundation footing along a wooden form

Foundation cost examples for common sizes

Illustrative calculation inputs only. Replace every price with a current, scope-matched local quote.
FootprintAreaSlab foundation cost
20 x 20 ft (garage or shed)400 sq ft$2,400 to $5,600
30 x 40 ft (shop or garage)1,200 sq ft$7,200 to $16,800
2,000 sq ft home2,000 sq ft$12,000 to $28,000

Apply current rates only to the foundation design, excavation, concrete, reinforcement, waterproofing and access.

Comparing slab and basement foundation quotes

State the foundation design, excavation, concrete, reinforcement, waterproofing and access in each quote.

For a garage, deck or addition footing rather than a full house foundation, the sizing math is the same but the scale is smaller. See deck footing size for post-footing dimensions on a smaller structure.

By Calcnaut
Formula and declared-case checks run during the build; sources are listed for readers to review. Read our method and editorial policy.
Illustrative worksheet, not a quote. These dollar figures are illustrative assumptions, not market data. Replace every rate with a current local quote for the stated scope: All monetary tables and examples on this page; replace rates with current, scope-matched local quotes.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a 20x20 concrete foundation cost?
A 20 by 20 footprint is 400 square feet. The page's slab-foundation scenario at an assumed $6 to $14 per square foot gives $2,400 to $5,600, but this is not a quote. Replace it with a bid for the approved excavation, base, footings or slab, reinforcement, moisture control and access.
How much does a foundation cost for a 2000 sq ft house?
The page shows arithmetic for a 2,000-square-foot footprint using different assumed foundation-system rates, from $12,000 to $100,000 or more. Those systems are not interchangeable and the figures are not market data. Select the applicable design, then compare current complete local bids.
How much does a 30x40 concrete foundation cost?
A 30 by 40 footprint is 1,200 square feet. At the page's illustrative $6 to $14 slab-foundation input, the arithmetic is $7,200 to $16,800. Replace that input with a quote for the approved foundation, excavation, reinforcement, drainage, moisture control and site access.
How should I compare slab and basement foundation quotes?
Compare only systems that satisfy the same building, soil, moisture and energy requirements. Itemize excavation, footings, slab or walls, reinforcement, drainage, waterproofing, insulation, backfill, access and usable-space implications for each approved option.
How much do concrete footings cost by themselves?
Footings cannot be priced from building area alone. Use the lengths and cross-sections in the approved design to calculate excavation, forms, concrete and reinforcement, then apply current local rates and include access, spoil removal, pumping and inspections as applicable.

Sources and references

These references and structured source records support the method and material data used on this page.

Related

Concrete Footing Calculator→How Deep Should a Footing Be?→How Wide Should a Footing Be?→