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About

Pouring concrete is an irreversible process. Foundations that are out-of-square cause cascading issues for framing, flooring, and roofing. This calculator is designed for site engineers and contractors to verify formwork before the pour. It compares the theoretical diagonal against the field-measured diagonal.

Standard construction tolerances (e.g., ACI 117) often dictate maximum allowable deviations. This tool calculates the exact error delta and indicates a Pass or Fail status based on your specified tolerance threshold, ensuring compliance with architectural specifications.

concrete foundation construction diagonal square-check

Formulas

The theoretical diagonal dth is calculated via Pythagoras. The error E is the absolute difference between theoretical and measured values.

dth = L2 + W2

Pass Logic:

{
PASS if |dmeas dth| TFAIL otherwise

Reference Data

Structure Size (ft)Theoretical Diagonal (ft)Allowable Tolerance (in)Standard
10 × 1014.142±0.5Rough Grade
20 × 2028.284±0.5Residential
30 × 4050.000±0.25Precision Work
40 × 6072.111±0.75Commercial
50 × 100111.803±1.0Industrial
100 × 200223.607±1.5Large Slab

Frequently Asked Questions

Typically, residential codes allow a deviation of roughly 1/2 inch (13mm) for diagonals up to 30 feet. However, always consult the local building code or the structural engineer's notes.
You must shift the parallel sides relative to each other. Move one corner "in" and the diagonally opposite corner "out" by half the error distance until diagonals equalize.
Measuring linear distance with a tape is significantly more precise and easier on a job site than trying to measure a 90-degree angle with a transit or square over long distances.