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Cylinder Volume Calculator – Tank, Pipe & Can Capacity

Everyday Math calculator cylinder pipe tank volume
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Cylinder Volume Calculator

Tank, Pipe & Can Capacity – Instantly calculate volume in multiple units

Dimensions
Radius = 5.0000 in
1,570.7963
cubic inches (in³)
25.7418
Liters (L)
6.8003
US Gallons
5.6623
UK Gallons
0.9090
Cubic Feet (ft³)
25,741.8
Cubic cm (cm³)
0.0257
Cubic Meters (m³)
Formula
V = π × r² × h
V = π × (5 in)² × 20 in = 1,570.80 in³

Tip: Measure the inside diameter for accurate capacity calculations.

Quick Reference
Soda Can~2.6″ Ø × 4.8″ h → ~355 mL
55-Gallon Drum~22.5″ Ø × 33.5″ h → ~55 US gal
4″ PVC Pipe (10 ft)~4″ ID × 120″ → ~6.54 US gal
Standard Propane Tank~12″ Ø × 18″ h → ~20 lb capacity
Frequently Asked Questions
Cylinder volume is calculated using the formula V = π × r² × h, where r is the radius (half the diameter) and h is the height. Multiply the area of the circular base (πr²) by the height. For a cylinder with a 10-inch diameter and 20-inch height, the volume is π × 5² × 20 = 1,570.8 cubic inches.
A solid cylinder (like a tank or can) occupies its full volume. A hollow cylinder (like a pipe) has an empty interior. The internal capacity of a pipe is V = π × rinner² × h. The pipe wall material volume is V = π × (router² − rinner²) × h. This calculator handles both types.
Calculate the volume in cubic inches first, then convert: 1 US gallon = 231 cubic inches. For example, a tank with diameter 22.5″ and height 33.5″ has volume π × 11.25² × 33.5 ≈ 13,319 in³. Divided by 231 gives approximately 57.7 US gallons (close to a standard 55-gallon drum when accounting for wall thickness).
You can use either! This calculator accepts diameter (the full width of the circle) and automatically converts it to radius (diameter ÷ 2). Most people find it easier to measure diameter with a tape measure. Just remember: radius = diameter / 2.
US gallon = 3.785 liters (231 cubic inches). UK (Imperial) gallon = 4.546 liters (277.42 cubic inches). The UK gallon is about 20% larger. Always check which gallon unit is used in your region—this calculator shows both for clarity.
For pipes, measure the inner diameter (not the outer diameter) to calculate fluid capacity. If you only know the outer diameter and wall thickness, subtract 2× wall thickness from the outer diameter to get the inner diameter. Our hollow cylinder mode can accept wall thickness directly.
Yes! The volume of a cylinder is the same regardless of orientation—vertical or horizontal. V = π × r² × h works for both. However, for partially filled horizontal tanks, the calculation becomes more complex because the cross-section is a circular segment, not a full circle. This calculator assumes the cylinder is completely full.
Input units: inches, feet, centimeters, meters, and millimeters. Output units include: cubic inches (in³), cubic feet (ft³), cubic centimeters (cm³), cubic meters (m³), liters (L), US gallons, and UK gallons. All conversions use standard conversion factors for maximum accuracy.
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