1. What is a Pipe Volume Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the internal volume of a cylindrical pipe in gallons based on its inner radius and length.

Purpose: It helps plumbers, engineers, and DIYers determine the liquid capacity of 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 to gallons)

Explanation: The formula calculates the cylindrical volume in cubic inches and converts it to gallons (1 gallon = 231 cubic inches).

3. Importance of Pipe Volume Calculation

Details: Accurate volume calculations are essential for system design, chemical dosing, flow rate calculations, and capacity planning.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure the inner radius (not diameter) of the pipe in inches and the pipe length in inches. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use radius instead of diameter?
A: The formula requires radius (r²), but you can convert diameter (D) to radius by dividing by 2.

Q2: What if my pipe is in feet?
A: Convert feet to inches (1 foot = 12 inches) before entering values.

Q3: Does this work for non-cylindrical pipes?
A: No, this formula is specifically for perfect cylinders. Other shapes require different formulas.

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

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's mathematically precise for perfect cylinders, but real pipes may have slight variations.