Enter the radius of the cylinder and the cylinder height into the calculator to determine the cylinder capacity.

Cylinder Capacity Formula

The following formula is used to calculate a cylinder’s capacity. 

V = pi*r^2*h
  • Where V is the cylinder capacity
  • r is the radius of the inner lining of the cylinder
  • h is the height of the inner portion of the cylinder

Cylinder Capacity Definition

What is a cylinder capacity?

Cylinder capacity, also known as tank capacity, is a measure of the internal volume of a cylinder or tank.

In other words, this is how much space is inside the cylinder that is available for storage.

Example Problem

How to calculate cylinder capacity?

The following example outlines the steps necessary to calculate the inside capacity of a cylinder.

First, determine the radius of the inner lining of the cylinder or tank. In this case, the radius is found to be 4 feet.

Next, determine the height of the cylinder. For this example, the height is measured to be 20 feet.

Finally, calculate the cylinder capacity using the formula above:

V = pi*r^2*h

V = 3.14159*4^2*20

V = 1005.308 ft^3 (cubic feet)

FAQ

How do you convert cylinder capacity from cubic feet to liters?

To convert cylinder capacity from cubic feet to liters, multiply the capacity in cubic feet by 28.3168. For example, if the cylinder capacity is 1005.308 ft³, the conversion to liters is 1005.308 ft³ * 28.3168 = 28467.31 liters.

Can the cylinder capacity formula be used for cylinders of any orientation?

Yes, the cylinder capacity formula V = pi*r^2*h can be used for cylinders of any orientation, whether they are standing upright or lying horizontally. The key is accurately measuring the radius (r) and the height (h) or length of the cylinder in its orientation.

Is it possible to calculate the capacity of a partially filled cylinder?

Yes, to calculate the capacity of a partially filled cylinder, you need to adjust the height (h) in the formula to reflect the height of the liquid level from the bottom of the cylinder. The formula V = pi*r^2*h remains the same, but with ‘h’ representing the height of the liquid.