Tank Capacity Calculator
Calculate the volume and capacity of various tank shapes for liquid storage.
Tank Capacity Results
Total Tank Volume:
Current Volume (at % fill):
Empty Space:
Formula Used:
About Our Tank Capacity Calculator
Our Tank Capacity Calculator is a useful tool for determining the volume and storage capacity of various tank shapes. Whether you're working with water tanks, fuel storage, aquariums, or industrial containers, this calculator provides accurate volume estimates in multiple units of measurement.
Tank Shapes and Calculations
We support multiple tank shapes, each with its own volume calculation formula:
- Cylindrical Tank (vertical): Volume = π × radius² × height
- Cylindrical Tank (horizontal): Calculations are based on partially filled cylinder formulas for accurate fill levels
- Rectangular Tank: Volume = length × width × height
- Spherical Tank: Volume = (4/3) × π × radius³
Features of Our Calculator
- Multiple Tank Shapes: Calculate volumes for the most common tank designs
- Partial Fill Calculations: Determine the actual liquid volume at specific fill percentages
- Various Output Units: Get results in gallons, liters, cubic feet, cubic meters, or imperial gallons
- Visual Representation: See a basic visualization of your tank's fill level
- Formula Display: Understand the mathematical calculations behind the results
How to Use the Calculator:
- Select your tank shape from the dropdown menu
- Enter the dimensions required for your selected tank shape
- Specify the fill level percentage (default is 100% for full tanks)
- Choose your preferred output unit of measurement
- Click "Calculate Volume" to see the results
Applications and Uses
Water Storage Planning: Determine the capacity of water tanks for residential, agricultural, or commercial use.
Fuel Storage Management: Calculate volumes for fuel tanks, helping with inventory and usage estimation.
Aquarium Setup: Plan your aquarium capacity to ensure proper water volume for aquatic life.
Industrial Containers: Manage liquid chemicals, oils, or other substances in industrial settings.
Rain Collection Systems: Size your rainwater harvesting tanks appropriately for your needs.
Swimming Pool Calculations: Estimate water volume for pool filling, chemical treatment, and heating costs.
Unit Conversion Factors
Our calculator handles all conversions automatically, but here are the conversion factors used:
- 1 Cubic Foot = 7.48052 US Gallons
- 1 Cubic Meter = 264.172 US Gallons
- 1 US Gallon = 3.78541 Liters
- 1 Imperial Gallon = 4.54609 Liters
- 1 Cubic Meter = 1000 Liters
Whether you're a homeowner planning a water storage system, a contractor bidding on a project, or an engineer designing a liquid storage solution, our tank capacity calculator provides the accurate information you need for proper planning and execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure my tank dimensions correctly?
For accurate calculations, measure the interior dimensions of your tank. For cylindrical tanks, measure the inner diameter (not the radius) and the interior height. For rectangular tanks, measure the interior length, width, and height. All measurements should be in the same unit (inches, feet, centimeters, or meters) before entering them into the calculator.
Why is the horizontal cylindrical tank capacity different from vertical?
Horizontal cylindrical tanks calculate volume differently at partial fill levels because the cross-sectional area of liquid changes non-linearly as the tank fills. A horizontal tank that's 50% full by height does not contain exactly 50% of its total volume. Our calculator accounts for this using the appropriate geometric formulas for partially filled horizontal cylinders.
How do I calculate the weight of liquid in my tank?
Once you know the volume of liquid, multiply it by the liquid's density to find the weight. For water: 1 gallon weighs about 8.34 pounds (3.78 kg), 1 cubic foot weighs about 62.4 pounds (28.3 kg), and 1 liter weighs about 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds). For other liquids, you'll need to know their specific density.
Does the calculator account for irregular tank shapes?
This calculator covers the most common regular tank shapes. For irregular shapes, complex tanks with internal structures, or tanks with non-standard ends (like elliptical caps), you may need to break down the calculation into component parts or consult with an engineer for precise measurements.
Should I add a safety margin when sizing a tank?
Yes, it's good practice to add a safety margin of 10-15% to your calculated capacity needs, especially for critical applications. This accounts for potential calculation errors, usage fluctuations, and prevents overfilling. For tanks containing expanding materials or those subject to temperature variations, consider a larger safety margin.