Pole Foundation Area Calculator
LED Lighting Supply’s Light Pole Foundation Calculator prioritizes high-quality illumination and reduces the risk of purchasing excess cast-in-place concrete material. This minimizes project costs while maximizing profitability. For readers interested in more detailed information about poles, see our Complete Guide to Light Pole Installation
Pole Weight
Fixture Weight
Wind Load
Soil Bearing Capacity
Foundation Area
How to Use LED Lighting Supply's Light and Utility Pole Foundation Calculator
Determine the weight of the pole on its own. The pole's weight is influenced by its top diameter, length, and the materials used in its construction. To determine the light pole’s weight, refer to the specifications sheet or speak to one of our Product Experts.
To switch units of measurement, click the green “lb” button to toggle between pounds (lb) and kilograms (kg).
Determine the weight of any components, accessories, or fixtures attached to the pole. This box applies to street lights and stadium light poles that have additional lighting and mounting components, including cross arms and brackets.
Determine the pole’s maximum wind load capacity over the entire pole. You can easily calculate this using our done-for-you Pole Wind Load Calculator.
A pole’s wind load is influenced by wind speed, air density, and the pole's EPA (Effective Projected Area).
What is EPA?
A measurement of the surface area that is exposed to wind. Wind load capacity refers to the maximum wind resistance a pole can withstand without compromising its structural integrity. The wind load capacity is determined by a government-regulated effective projected area (EPA) rating and varies based on the environmental factors of the region where the light pole is installed.
How to Calculate Wind Load Manually
You can use the formula below to manually calculate pole wind load:
- PWL = 0.613 × FPA × Cd × V²
- FPA is Frontal Projected Area (m)
- Cd is Drag Coefficient
- V is Wind Velocity (m/s)
- Note: The 0.613 variable converts the units to the standard Newtons (N) unit.
(To switch units of measurement in the calculator, click “lb” to toggle between pounds, Newtons, and kilograms.)
The EPA is calculated by multiplying the Projected Area (A) by the Drag Coefficient (Cd), which measures resistance in the air. The projected area refers to the surface area of the object (such as the pole, fixture, or attachment) that is exposed to wind. Use the formula below:
Calculating EPA Using Project Area and Drag Coefficient Formula:
To calculate EPA, use the formula below:
Additionally, after determining the maximum wind speed, note that the wind speed rating of the pole determines its suitability for specific environmental conditions.
Determine the soil-bearing capacity. This is a critical step in foundation design and proper light pole selection. Soil-bearing capacity influences how deep and wide the pole footing must be in the ground to provide safe structural support.
(To switch units of measurement, click “lb/ft²” to toggle between pounds per square foot and kilograms per square meter.)
Click Calculate to figure out an estimated pole foundation area. This output serves as a baseline to guide material planning and initial budgeting. Note that the calculated pole foundation area is an estimated calculation and should be used as a benchmark.
Introduction to Light Pole Foundation
A strong and stable foundation is essential to achieve safe, long-lasting performance against wind, soil shifts, and other environmental stresses. By providing a secure base, the foundation plays a crucial role in preventing tilting, shifting, or collapse. When designing a light pole foundation, it is important to consider several key factors. These factors include the wind load capacity required to withstand high wind speeds, the soil-bearing capacity at the installation site, and the appropriate depth of the foundation. Each of these elements contributes to the overall stability and support of the light pole, ensuring it remains upright and functional in all conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Could Cause My Pole Foundation to Fail?
This is a crucial concern we hear from facility managers and contractors alike. The most common causes of pole foundation failure include:
- Failure to meet foundation's required depth or width for the pole's height and wind load
- Poor soil-bearing capacity that doesn’t support the imposed structural load
- Incorrect EPA assessment for fixtures, arms, or brackets
- Insufficient anchoring or rebar reinforcement during installation
- Exposure to high winds without proper public safety factor margins
What is the Average Height for Light Poles?
What we've learned from installing thousands of poles is that pole height is a driving factor in adequate light distribution and minimized glare. In many cases, the higher the light pole, the better the light coverage of the space. Our full line of light poles is available in heights from 10 to 70 feet. Larger projects that require ample light coverage, such as a sports field, require light poles with heights that range from 30 to 70 feet tall. On the other hand, smaller projects, such as a street light or parking lot, typically range from 15 to 30 feet in height.
Can I Use the Raw Output for My Pole Project?
We strongly recommend using our calculator as a baseline, and then working to validate all final foundation designs with a licensed structural or civil engineer who has taken a specialized course in structural or civil engineering. This is especially relevant in high-risk zones such as hurricane-prone areas, coastal sites, or regions with poor soil conditions.
Other factors like:
- Pole Material and Shape
- Site location
- Nearby structures or underground utilities
- Load combinations such as dead load (pole weight), live load (wind or fixtures)
- Dynamic forces like wind direction
should be considered to refine the calculation. That said, many customers use our tool as a preliminary part of the process to plan materials, set budgets, and request quotes before final engineering approval.
Need help reviewing your project inputs or interpreting the results?
Speak with our Product Specialists for a tailored foundation recommendation based on your environment, lighting design, and installation needs.
