Practical tools for measured work
Tank Volume Calculator
Calculate full capacity and partial fill for horizontal or vertical cylinders and rectangular tanks.
Calculate the layout, check the diagram, then print the result for the shop or jobsite.
Use inside dimensions and vertical liquid depth. Cylindrical tanks have flat ends. The horizontal tank must be level.
How it works
Choose a rectangular tank or a flat-ended cylinder, select its orientation and enter inside dimensions. Liquid depth is measured vertically from the lowest interior point. Empty and completely full tanks are supported.
Box: V = LWd; vertical cylinder: V = πr²dHorizontal: V = L[r² acos((r−d)/r) − (r−d)√(2rd−d²)]
A horizontal cylinder with inside radius 2 cm, length 10 cm and liquid depth 2 cm contains 20π cm³, half its 40π cm³ capacity.
Current-input example
The result above uses these exact values. This snapshot is included when the page is printed so the output can be checked against the original measurements.
- Length unit
- cm
- Tank shape
- Horizontal cylinder
- Inside radius
- 2 cm
- Inside length
- 10 cm
- Liquid depth from bottom
- 2 cm
Primary result: Filled volume: 62.831853 cm³.
Before using the result
- Measure from the datum or reference edge described by this tool, and do not mix inside, outside and centerline dimensions.
- Keep inputs in the displayed units and preserve more precision than the final cutting or purchasing tolerance requires.
- When the result is close to a limit, verify it with a test piece, field measurement, manufacturer drawing or qualified project professional.
Limitations
Excludes domed ends, baffles, pipe wall material and tilted tanks. Changing the length unit reinterprets all entered numbers. Results describe geometric capacity, not a safe working fill limit.
Frequently asked questions
Why is half the depth not always half the volume?
In a horizontal cylinder, volume follows a circular segment, not a straight-line scale. Exactly half the diameter gives half the capacity, but other depth fractions are nonlinear.
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