Calculate Gallons per Feet of Pipe

Gallons per Foot Formula:

\[ V_{gal/ft} = \frac{\pi \times r^2 \times 12}{231} \]

Volume (gallons per foot):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is Gallons per Foot of Pipe?

Definition: This calculator determines the volume of liquid a pipe can hold per linear foot, measured in gallons.

Purpose: It helps plumbers, engineers, and irrigation specialists calculate fluid capacity in piping systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ V_{gal/ft} = \frac{\pi \times r^2 \times 12}{231} \]

Where:

\( V_{gal/ft} \) — Volume in gallons per foot
\( r \) — Inner radius of pipe (inches)
\( \pi \) — Mathematical constant (~3.14159)
12 — Converts to feet (since radius is in inches)
231 — Cubic inches per gallon (conversion factor)

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

3. Importance of Pipe Volume Calculation

Details: Knowing gallons per foot helps in system design, flow rate calculations, and determining total capacity of piping systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the inner radius of the pipe in inches. The radius is half of the inner diameter. Value must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is radius used instead of diameter?
A: The formula for cylindrical volume uses radius squared, making it the more direct measurement for calculations.

Q2: What if I only know the diameter?
A: Simply divide the inner diameter by 2 to get the radius before entering it into the calculator.

Q3: Does this work for any pipe material?
A: Yes, as long as you use the correct inner radius measurement, the material doesn't affect the volume calculation.

Q4: Why 231 cubic inches per gallon?
A: This is the standard US gallon volume definition used in fluid measurements.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's mathematically precise for perfect cylinders. Real pipes may vary slightly due to manufacturing tolerances.