1. What is a Pipe Volume Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the volume of water in gallons that a pipe can hold based on its inner radius and length.

Purpose: It helps plumbers, engineers, and DIYers determine water capacity in pipes for various applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( V_{gal} \) — Volume in gallons
• \( r \) — Inner radius of pipe (inches)
• \( L \) — Length of pipe (inches)
• \( 231 \) — Conversion factor (cubic inches per gallon)

Explanation: The formula calculates the cylindrical volume in cubic inches and converts it to gallons.

3. Importance of Pipe Volume Calculation

Details: Knowing pipe volume is essential for system design, chemical treatment dosing, and flow rate calculations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure the inner radius (half of inner diameter) and length in inches. Both values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why divide by 231?
A: There are 231 cubic inches in one US gallon, which converts the volume from cubic inches to gallons.

Q2: Can I use diameter instead of radius?
A: Yes, but you'll need to divide diameter by 2 first (radius = diameter/2).

Q3: Does this work for metric measurements?
A: No, this formula is for inches. For metric, use liters = π × r² × L / 1000 (r and L in cm).

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's mathematically precise for perfect cylinders. Real pipes may have slight variations.

Q5: Can I calculate for partial pipe fills?
A: This calculates full pipe volume. For partial fills, more complex formulas are needed.