What is the standard depth of a footing?

Author: Miss Daphne Streich II  |  Last update: Thursday, January 22, 2026

A minimum of 12”inches deep for all footings and the width will be determined by the amount of stories, 12” inches for a single story, 15” inches for a two story and 23” inches for a three story. This is based on a soil bearing capacity of 1500(psf).

What is the minimum depth of a footing?

The minimum depth of footings below the surface of undisturbed soil, compacted fill material or controlled low strength material (CLSM) shall be 12 inches (305 mm). Where applicable, the requirements of CBC Section 1809.5 shall also be satisfied. The minimum width of footings shall be 12 inches (305 mm).

What is the rule of thumb for concrete footings?

For every 2 feet of adjustment to the width of the house, add or subtract 2 inches of footing width and 1 inch of footing thickness (but not less than 6 inches thick).

What is the basic footing size?

5 feet to 6x6 feet footing size. Similarly, a 2-storeyed one requires 5x5 feet and single storied will need 4x4 feet footing size. In case if the soil type is not provided for the design, it is essential to mention the footing sizes.

How deep should a footing be buried?

A minimum of 12”inches deep for all footings and the width will be determined by the amount of stories, 12” inches for a single story, 15” inches for a two story and 23” inches for a three story. This is based on a soil bearing capacity of 1500(psf).

How to decide the size of footing? | Area of footing | Design of RCC footing | Civil Tutor

How deep are normal footings?

Footings need to be 600mm wide x 1m deep minimum,in some cases depending on ground quality/type,proximity of large trees footings are required to be up to 2m deep.

What should be the depth of footing?

All foundations shall extend to a depth of at least 50 cm below the natural ground level. The minimum depth of footing on sandy soil is 0.8 - 1 m, for rocky soil, it is 0.05 - 0.5 m and for clayey soil, it is 0.9 - 1.6 m. The minimum depth of foundation for the load-bearing wall is 900 mm.

How thick is a normal footing?

Required Footing Sizes

In most cases, a house should have a minimum footing of 12 inches wide by 12 inches deep, with foundations that are 8 to 10 inches thick. This should be enough to support house weight and resist lateral soil and water pressure.

How deep do house footings have to be?

Depth of Footings

Footings should extend to a minimum depth of 12 inches below previously undisturbed soil. Footings must also extend at least 12 inches below the frost line (the depth to which the ground freezes in winter) or be frost-protected.

How far do you dig for footings?

The footing depth, on the other hand, is typically determined by the soil type and the extent to which you must dig before striking undisturbed soil. Still, we recommend that the depth of the footing extends to a minimum of 12 inches after you've hit undisturbed soil.

What is the minimum concrete strength for footings?

The ideal concrete psi for a given project depends on various factors, but the bare minimum for any project usually starts around 2,500 to 3,000 psi. Each concrete structure has a normally acceptable psi range. Concrete footings and slabs on grade typically require a concrete of 3,500 to 4,000 psi.

How do I calculate my footing size?

To determine the size of the footing, a simple formula is used: Structural Load (lbs) / Soil Capacity (psf) = Footing Surface Area Required (sq. ft.)

What is the rule of thumb for concrete footing size?

You can look up the recommended footing size, based on the size and type of house and the bearing capacity of the soil. As you can see, heavy houses on weak soil need footings 2 feet wide or more. But the lightest buildings on the strongest soil require footings as narrow as 7 or 8 inches.

What is the normal depth for a footing below grade?

Additionally, it's important to consider local building codes, soil conditions, and whether you need to account for frost lines, which can require deeper footings in colder climates. Generally, footings should extend at least 12 inches below undisturbed soil or below the frost line, whichever is deeper.

What is the difference between a footing and a foundation?

The footing is what's actually in contact with the ground, while the foundation is the structure that transfers the load to the earth. A simple way to visualize the difference when comparing it to the human body would be to view the footing as the actual feet of the legs and the foundation being the legs themselves.

What is the minimum depth of footings?

Depth of footing above bottom reinforcement shall not be less than 150 mm for footings on soil, nor less than 300 mm for footings on piles.

How deep should a footer be for a support post?

Each deck support post must be supported by concrete footings. The size of each footing is determined by the tributary load imposed on it. See the diagram below for an explanation of tributary load. Footing must be dug down into undisturbed soil and to a minimum depth of 12-in below the finished grade.

What is the difference between a footer and a footing?

Footings are structural supports that are used in addition to a foundation. They help transfer the load's weight from the foundation into the soil. Footers are typically in direct contact with the ground, while the foundation is in contact with the footing.

What is the minimum thickness of footing?

In reinforced and plain concrete footings, the thickness at the edge shall be not less than 150 mm for footings on soils.

Can footings be too deep?

First off: Why you need accurate footings calculations

If you make your foundations too shallow or too deep, there is a risk to the integrity of the build, and a danger that any reinforcement, be it mesh panels or rebar rods, is positioned incorrectly, leading to reduced tensile strength and load-bearing capacity.

What is the standard footing size for a residential building?

Footings shall be a minimum of 8 inches by 24 inches (203 mm by 610 mm) for houses two and one-half stories and less. The footings for a three-story building shall be 10 inches by 24 inches (254 mm by 610 mm).

How thick should footings be?

The minimum footing thickness should not be less than the distance the footing extends outward from the edge of the foundation wall, or 6 inches, whichever is greater.

What is the depth of base footings?

In most cases, a foundation depth of 900mm to 1200mm (approximately 3 to 4 feet) is sufficient. This depth is adequate because the loads are generally lighter, and the soil conditions in residential areas are often stable.

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