Cylindrical Tank Volume Calculator

Calculate the volume of liquid in vertical and horizontal cylindrical tanks. Perfect for fuel storage, water tanks, and industrial applications.

Cylindrical Tank Volume Calculator
Calculate the volume of liquid in vertical or horizontal cylindrical tanks

Tank Diagram

HDd

What is a Cylindrical Tank?

A cylindrical tank is a storage vessel with a circular cross-section and uniform diameter along its length. These tanks are among the most common storage solutions due to their structural efficiency, ease of manufacturing, and optimal strength-to-weight ratio.

Vertical Cylinders
Upright orientation for space efficiency
  • • Water storage towers
  • • Chemical processing tanks
  • • Residential water heaters
  • • Pressure vessels
  • • Silos and storage bins
Horizontal Cylinders
Lying on their side for stability
  • • Underground fuel tanks
  • • Propane storage tanks
  • • Industrial process vessels
  • • Transportation tankers
  • • Large capacity storage

How to Use the Calculator

1

Select Orientation

Choose whether your tank is vertical (upright) or horizontal (on its side)

2

Enter Dimensions

Input the tank's diameter (or radius), length/height, and current liquid depth

3

Get Results

View the calculated volume in multiple units including gallons, liters, and cubic feet

Formulas Used

Vertical Cylindrical Tank
Simple volume calculation for upright tanks

Total Volume:

V = πr²h

Liquid Volume:

Vliquid = πr²hliquid

Where: r = radius, h = total height, hliquid = liquid height

Horizontal Cylindrical Tank
Complex calculation for tanks on their side

Circular Segment Area:

A = r² arccos((r-d)/r) - (r-d)√(2rd-d²)

Liquid Volume:

Vliquid = A × L

Where: r = radius, d = liquid depth, L = tank length, A = circular segment area

Worked Examples

Example 1: Vertical Water Tank
Residential water storage calculation

Given:

  • Diameter: 4 feet (radius = 2 feet)
  • Total height: 8 feet
  • Liquid height: 6 feet

Calculation:

Vliquid = π × 2² × 6 ≈ 75.4 cubic feet

Converting: 75.4 × 7.48 ≈ 564 gallons

Example 2: Horizontal Fuel Tank
Underground storage tank calculation

Given:

  • Diameter: 6 feet (radius = 3 feet)
  • Length: 20 feet
  • Liquid depth: 2 feet

Result:

Using circular segment formula:

Liquid volume ≈ 628 cubic feet ≈ 4,697 gallons

Frequently Asked Questions - Cylindrical Tanks