Pipe Diameter to Gallons Calculator

Pipe Volume Formula:

\[ V_{gal} = \frac{\pi \times (D/2)^2 \times L}{231} \]

Pipe Volume (gallons):

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1. What is a Pipe Diameter to Gallons Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the volume of liquid a pipe can hold based on its diameter and length.

Purpose: It helps plumbers, engineers, and DIYers determine pipe capacity for fluid transport or storage applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ V_{gal} = \frac{\pi \times (D/2)^2 \times L}{231} \]

Where:

\( V_{gal} \) — Volume in gallons
\( D \) — Pipe diameter (inches)
\( L \) — Pipe length (inches)
231 — Conversion factor (cubic inches per gallon)

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

3. Importance of Pipe Volume Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the pipe diameter and length in inches. Both values must be > 0. The result shows capacity 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: Does this work for metric units?
A: No, this calculator uses inches for input. For metric, use diameter/length in cm and divide by 3785.41 (cm³ per gallon).

Q3: Is this for internal or external diameter?
A: Use internal diameter for accurate fluid capacity. External diameter will overestimate volume.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's mathematically precise for perfect cylinders. Real pipes may vary slightly due to manufacturing tolerances.

Q5: Can I calculate for partial pipe fills?
A: This calculates full pipe volume. For partial fills, you'd need additional height/depth measurements.