1. What is a Pipe Volume Calculator?

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

Purpose: It helps plumbers, engineers, and DIYers determine pipe capacity for fluid transport, irrigation systems, or storage 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: Accurate volume calculations ensure proper system design, flow rate estimation, and chemical dosing in piping systems.

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: 231 cubic inches equals 1 US liquid gallon, which is the standard conversion factor.

Q2: Can I use diameter instead of radius?
A: Yes, but you'd need to adjust the formula to: (π × d² × L) / (4 × 231) where d is diameter.

Q3: Does this work for metric measurements?
A: No, this calculator uses inches. For metric, use liters and centimeters with appropriate conversion.

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

Q5: What about pipes with different shapes?
A: This only works for circular pipes. For square/rectangular pipes, use different formulas.