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Tank volume calculator
Geometry
Result
Gallons
Cubic feet
Liters
Region
Waste
Prices: national avg · Jun 2026 · sources
DiagramUpdates as you type

Calculate the volume of a cylindrical tank or container in gallons, cubic feet, and liters from its diameter and height.

Formula

volume = π × (diameter ÷ 2)² × height

Method & sources
Formula basisSolid-geometry volume
How we calculateCylinder πr²h, sphere 4⁄3πr³, capsule and oval per geometry; partial fill by segment. Full method →
Formula verified against the published standard above. Method last reviewed June 2026. Estimates are for planning — confirm against supplier quotes.

How it works

A cylinder's volume is pi times the radius squared times the height. One cubic foot holds about 7.48 US gallons.

Partial fill

For a partially filled horizontal tank the math is more complex — this covers a full vertical cylinder.

Worked example

A vertical 4 ft x 6 ft storage tank

A cylindrical tank 4 ft in diameter and 6 ft tall has a volume of π x (2 ft)² x 6 ft = 75.4 cubic feet. At 7.48 gallons per cubic foot, that's about 564 gallons, or roughly 2,135 liters.

This is for a full vertical cylinder. A horizontal tank that's partially full needs a more complex partial-cylinder calculation, and tanks with domed or coned ends add volume at the ends. For those, treat this as the straight-side volume and add the end caps separately.

What affects your result

Common mistakes to avoid

Where the numbers come from

Exact geometry. One cubic foot is 7.48 US gallons; one US gallon is 3.785 liters.

Frequently asked questions

How many gallons in a 4 ft by 6 ft tank?

About 564 gallons for a 4 ft diameter, 6 ft tall cylinder.

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