Enter the radius of the tank and the length of the tank into the calculator to determine the underground water tank capacity.

Water Tank Capacity Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the Water Tank Capacity.

WTC = pi*R^2*L 
  • Where WTC is the water tank capacity (ft^3)
  • R is the radius of the tank (ft)
  • L is the length of the tank (ft)

To calculate the water tank capacity, multiply pi by the radius of the tank squared, then multiply the result by the length.

This formula provides the result in cubic feet. To convert into gallons of water, multiply the result by 7.48052.

What is a Water Tank Capacity?

Definition:

A water tank capacity is defined as the total internal volume of a tank that holds water. The most common unit of measure for the capacity if liquid gallons.

How to Calculate Water Tank Capacity?

Example Problem:

The following example outlines the steps and information needed to calculate the water tank capacity.

First, measure the radius of the tank. In this example, the radius of the tank is measured to be 5 ft.

Next, determine the length of the water tank. This water tank is found to have a length of 10 ft.

Finally, calculate the tank capacity using the formula above:

WTC = pi*R^2*L

WTC = 3.14159*5^2*10

WTC = 785.3975 ft^3

WTC = 5875.181 gallons

FAQ

What factors affect the accuracy of calculating water tank capacity?

The accuracy of calculating water tank capacity can be affected by several factors including the precision of the measurements of the tank’s dimensions, the condition of the tank (e.g., if there are indentations or bulges that alter its perfect cylindrical shape), and the assumption that the tank is fully cylindrical without any internal structures or variations.

Can the water tank capacity formula be used for tanks of any shape?

No, the provided water tank capacity formula (WTC = pi*R^2*L) is specifically designed for cylindrical tanks. For tanks of other shapes, different formulas must be used that account for the unique geometry of those tanks.

How do you convert cubic feet to gallons?

To convert cubic feet to gallons, you multiply the volume in cubic feet by 7.48052. This conversion factor changes cubic feet into gallons, which is a more common measure for liquid volumes. For example, if a tank’s capacity is calculated to be 100 ft^3, it would be equivalent to 748.052 gallons.