Calculating Volume of a Cylinder in Gallons

Cylinder Volume Formula:

\[ V_{gal} = \frac{\pi \times r^2 \times h}{231} \]

Volume (gallons):

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1. What is a Cylinder Volume Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the volume of a cylinder in gallons based on its radius and height in inches.

Purpose: It helps professionals and DIYers determine the liquid capacity of cylindrical containers like tanks, pipes, or barrels.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ V_{gal} = \frac{\pi \times r^2 \times h}{231} \]

Where:

\( V_{gal} \) — Volume in gallons
\( r \) — Radius in inches
\( h \) — Height in inches
231 — Cubic inches per gallon (conversion factor)

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

3. Importance of Cylinder Volume Calculation

Details: Accurate volume calculations are essential for liquid storage, chemical processing, and hydraulic system design.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the radius and height in inches. Both values must be > 0. The result shows volume in US gallons.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why divide by 231?
A: 231 cubic inches equals 1 US gallon, which is the standard conversion factor.

Q2: Can I use centimeters instead of inches?
A: No, this calculator requires inches. Convert cm to inches first (1 cm = 0.393701 inches).

Q3: Does this work for oval or rectangular tanks?
A: No, this is specifically for right circular cylinders. Different formulas are needed for other shapes.

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

Q5: What's the maximum size this can calculate?
A: There's no theoretical limit, but extremely large values may cause display issues.