Horizontal Cylindrical Tank Volume Calculator

WARNING!!!  The calculations on this page are a purely theoretical exercise!

The outcomes pertain to:

• a perfectly cylindrical horizontal tank,
• with completely flat front and rear ends,
• which is not tilted in any way,
• which can be filled to the hilt.

The calculation tool below makes it easy to determine the maximum volume of a cylinder-shaped tank. The "Create Dipstick Chart"-button can be used to derive a simple chart, for a quick reference to the volume of a partially filled round tank, when the fluid depth, and the tank dimensions are known.

Tank Volume Calculator All dimensions are in centimeters, volume is in litres (rounded number). Both diameter and length must be entered & calculated first in order to create a corresponding Dipstick Chart. Determine Maximum Volume Tank Diameter d (in cm.):    Tank Length L (in cm.):     Volume (in ltr.):  (use a dot ( . ) as a decimal point to compute with non-integer values) (opens a new window)

Volume calculation on a partially filled cylindrical tank

Some Theory

Using the theory

Use this calculator for computing the volume of partially-filled horizontal cylinder-shaped tanks. With horizontal cylinders, volume changes are not linear and in fact are rather complex as the theory above shows. Fortunately you have this tool to do the work for you.
This calculator can provide a single detailed value of the volume of a partially filled horizontal round tank. Just insert the tank diameter, the tank length, and the reading on the dip stick, ruler, or measuring tape.

Horizontal Tank Level Calculator All dimensions are in meters or feet, volume is in liters or gallons. The depth of the liquid in the tank, as read on the dipstick, should be filled in at the Liquid Level box. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> or (use a dot ( . ) as a decimal point to compute with non-integer values)