Barrel Volume Calculator
Find the volume and capacity (gallons and liters) of a barrel from its height and its top and middle radii.
Change the values and press Calculate to work out your own figures.
Enter the height, top radius and middle radius.
| Amount | Unit |
|---|---|
| 0.2668799917 | m³ |
| 266.8799917 | liters |
| 9.424777961 | ft³ |
| 16,286.01632 | in³ |
| 0.3490658504 | yd³ |
| 70.50223514 | US gallons |
Show the working
- V = π h (2R² + r²) ÷ 3, where R is the radius at the middle (bulge) and r at the top and bottom
- Volume = 9.424777961 ft³
How to use it
Enter the height, top radius and middle radius.
Enter the measurements (decimals, fractions such as 3/4, or mixed numbers such as 1 1/2) and, if you like, their unit; the answer is then also given in other units. Show the working gives the formula.
Key facts
V = π h (2R² + r²) ÷ 3
Why this formula
It is the classic barrel-gauging rule: it treats the bulge as a smooth curve between the ends and the middle, and is exact for a barrel whose sides are parabolic arcs.
Questions
How many gallons in a barrel 3 ft tall with 1 ft radii?
About 70.50 US gallons.
What is a standard oil barrel?
42 US gallons.
Formulas
V = π h (2R² + r²) ÷ 3
Sources
Limitations
- All measurements in one calculation use the same unit; the answer is also given in other units.
- Measurements up to 10¹⁵.