Volume of a Tank in Gallons

Tank Volume Formulas:

Rectangular: \[ V_{gal} = \frac{L \times W \times H}{231} \]

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

Tank Shape:

Length:

inches

Width:

inches

Height:

inches

Tank Volume:

gallons

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1. What is a Tank Volume Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the volume of liquid a tank can hold in gallons based on its dimensions.

Purpose: It helps determine tank capacity for storage, industrial applications, or home use with either rectangular or cylindrical tanks.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses different formulas based on tank shape:

Rectangular: \[ V_{gal} = \frac{L \times W \times H}{231} \]

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

Where:

\( V_{gal} \) — Volume in gallons
\( L \) — Length (inches, rectangular)
\( W \) — Width (inches, rectangular)
\( H \) — Height (inches, rectangular)
\( r \) — Radius (inches, cylindrical)
\( h \) — Height (inches, cylindrical)

Explanation: The calculator converts cubic inches to gallons (1 gallon = 231 cubic inches) after calculating the tank's volume.

3. Importance of Tank Volume Calculation

Details: Accurate volume calculations ensure proper sizing for storage needs, chemical dosing, and system design in industrial and residential applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

Select tank shape (rectangular or cylindrical)
Enter dimensions in inches
All values must be positive numbers

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why divide by 231 in the formulas?
A: There are 231 cubic inches in one US gallon, so this converts the volume from cubic inches to gallons.

Q2: How do I measure tank dimensions?
A: For rectangular tanks, measure length, width, and height. For cylindrical tanks, measure diameter (divide by 2 for radius) and height.

Q3: Does this account for tank thickness?
A: No, these formulas calculate internal volume. For precise measurements, subtract wall thickness from external dimensions.

Q4: Can I use this for irregularly shaped tanks?
A: No, this calculator only works for standard rectangular or cylindrical shapes. Complex shapes require different calculations.

Q5: How accurate are these calculations?
A: They're mathematically precise for perfect geometric shapes. Real-world tanks may have slight variations due to manufacturing tolerances.