Cylinder Tank Volume Calculator
Cylindrical tank volume is calculated using V = pi r squared h. A storage tank with radius 1 m and height 2 m has a volume of 6.283 m3, holding 6,283.19 litres or 1,659.88 US gallons. Total capacity depends on diameter and length or height. Calculate full and partial tank volume below.
Calculator
Vertical tank: fill level animates on calculate
Liquid storage capacity and dipstick levels
This tool calculates full and partial volume for vertical and horizontal storage tanks. It supports water cisterns, fuel tanks, and chemical drums in gallons and litres.
Calculating gross volume and partial fill
For vertical tanks, use V = pi r squared h. For horizontal tanks, partial volume uses circular segment math. Enter your tank size and fill depth below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate tank capacity vs volume?
In real-world engineering, 'volume' is the total theoretical mathematical space inside the geometric shape. 'Capacity' usually refers to the usable working volume (often 90% to 95% of total volume), as tanks need safe headspace for liquid expansion, fumes, or agitating equipment.
What is the formula for a vertical cylinder tank volume calculator?
The formula for the total volume of an upright tank is V = π × r² × h. If the tank is only partially filled, you simply substitute the total tank height for the measured liquid depth.
How do you calculate liquid in a partially filled horizontal tank?
This is a complex calculation. A horizontal cylinder volume calculator uses a circular segment formula multiplied by the tank length: V = L × [r² × arccos((r−d)/r) − (r−d) × √(2rd−d²)], where 'd' is the depth of the fluid. We highly recommend using our online tool rather than attempting this manually.
Can I use this tool for a rectangular tank?
No. A cylinder tank volume calculator relies on Pi (π) and a circular radius. If your tank is shaped like a rectangular prism or cube, you simply multiply length × width × height.
Why are so many tanks cylindrical instead of square?
Cylindrical vessels distribute internal fluid pressure evenly outward across their curved surface. Square tanks have weak points at their 90-degree welded corners, requiring thicker walls or external bracing to prevent bursting. Therefore, cylinders are stronger, cheaper to manufacture, and easier to clean.
What is the capacity of a cylinder?
The capacity of a cylinder is the same as its volume when the cylinder is used as a container. Capacity measures how much a cylinder can hold, while volume measures the space it occupies, but the calculation is identical: V = π × r² × h. Capacity is typically expressed in liquid units: divide cm³ by 1,000 to get litres (liters), or divide cm³ by 3,785.41 to get US gallons. For example, a cylinder with radius 10 cm and height 30 cm has a capacity of π × 100 × 30 = 9,424.78 cm³ = 9.42 litres (about 2.49 US gallons).
How do you find the cylindrical volume of a container or vessel?
The cylindrical volume of any container or vessel uses the same formula as a standard cylinder: V = π × r² × h. Whether you are measuring a cylindrical tank, barrel, pipe, or vessel, simply measure the internal radius (or divide the internal diameter by 2) and the internal height or length. For a horizontal cylindrical tank, the height in the formula is the tank's length. For a vertical cylindrical vessel, use the internal depth. The result gives the total cylindrical container volume: the maximum amount the container can hold.