Cylinder Tank Calculator
Calculate the volume, capacity in litres and gallons, and surface area of a vertical or horizontal cylinder tank. Enter radius, diameter, height, or length in your preferred units.
How the cylinder tank calculator works
This calculator computes the volume of a cylinder using the formula V = π × r² × h, where r is the radius and h is the height (or length for a horizontal tank). It then converts the volume into litres, US gallons, and imperial gallons. The surface area is calculated as A = 2πr² + 2πrh, which includes both circular ends and the lateral surface.
Enter the radius or diameter, the height or length, choose your units, and select vertical or horizontal orientation. The calculator instantly shows the volume, capacity, and surface area.
Step 1: Tank Dimensions
Understanding Cylinder Measurements
Radius is half the diameter. Height applies to vertical tanks; length applies to horizontal tanks. Volume is always π × r² × h. This calculator handles both orientations with the same underlying formula.
Step 2: Units & Options
Common Uses
This calculator is ideal for water tank sizing, fuel tank capacity, aquarium volume, industrial storage, and construction planning. Results update instantly as you change values.
Cylinder Tank Results
Total Tank Volume
Unit Conversion Comparison
| Unit | Value | Equivalent |
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Volume & Surface Area Breakdown
Cylinder Tank Formulas
Volume: V = π × r² × h
Surface Area: A = 2πr² + 2πrh (includes both ends and lateral surface). Capacity: 1 litre = 1000 cm³, 1 US gallon = 231 in³, 1 imperial gallon = 277.42 in³.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate the volume of a cylinder tank?
The volume of a cylinder is calculated using the formula V = π × r² × h, where r is the radius and h is the height (or length for a horizontal tank). For a horizontal cylinder, the same formula applies using the length as the height dimension.
What is the formula for the surface area of a cylinder?
The total surface area of a cylinder is A = 2πr² + 2πrh, where r is the radius and h is the height. This includes the area of the two circular ends plus the lateral surface area.
How do I convert cylinder volume to litres?
To convert cubic units to litres, multiply the volume in cubic centimetres by 0.001 (since 1 litre = 1000 cm³). For cubic metres, multiply by 1000. This calculator automatically converts between units.
What is the difference between a vertical and horizontal cylinder tank?
A vertical cylinder tank stands upright with the circular ends at the top and bottom. A horizontal cylinder tank lies on its side with the circular ends at the sides. The volume calculation is the same (π × r² × length/height), but the orientation affects how the tank is used and measured.
How many gallons does a cylinder tank hold?
To convert the volume to US gallons, multiply the volume in cubic inches by 0.004329. For imperial gallons, multiply by 0.003604. This calculator provides both US and imperial gallon conversions.
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