Tank Volume & Liquid Level Calculator
Calculate total tank capacity and liquid volume from dimensions and fill level for vertical cylinders, horizontal cylinders, rectangular and spherical tanks.
How to use this calculator
- 1
Select the tank geometry, including the spherical tank option.
- 2
Enter the tank dimensions in the selected units.
- 3
Enter the current liquid level.
- 4
Calculate total capacity and contained liquid volume.
Tank volume calculations are useful for inventory estimation, transmitter range checks, level-to-volume conversion and process planning. The relationship between level and volume is linear for rectangular and vertical cylindrical tanks but nonlinear for a horizontal cylinder or a spherical tank.
Use actual internal tank dimensions for the best estimate. Real tanks can include dished ends, internals, nozzles, dead volume or geometric tolerances that are not included in a simple geometric calculation.
Formula and assumptions
The result assumes ideal internal geometry. Heads, nozzles, internal coils, dead volume and dimensional tolerances are not included.
Examples and guidance
- A 2 m diameter vertical cylinder filled to 1 m contains approximately 3.1416 m³.
- Horizontal cylindrical volume uses the circular-segment area at the entered liquid level.
Continue your calculation
Move between related pressure, level, flow, signal and measurement calculations without starting a new search.
Questions and answers
Are dished tank heads included?
No. The calculation treats cylindrical tanks as straight cylinders. Head volumes should be calculated or calibrated separately.
Can the calculator estimate remaining capacity?
The result panel shows both liquid volume and percentage fill. Subtract the liquid volume from the ideal total volume for remaining capacity.
Which dimensions should be entered?
Use internal dimensions in one selected unit and measure liquid level from the internal bottom of the tank.