Pipe Volume Calculator – Cylinder Volume Calculator
Calculate the volume of solid or hollow pipes and cylinders
Table of Contents
How to Use
- Select pipe type (solid or hollow)
- Choose your unit of measurement
- Enter outer diameter (and inner diameter for hollow pipes)
- Enter pipe length
- Click calculate to see volume in multiple units
What is Pipe Volume?
Pipe volume refers to the amount of space inside a cylindrical pipe or tube. For hollow pipes, it's the volume of material (like water or gas) that can flow through the pipe. For solid cylinders, it's the total volume of the cylinder itself.
Understanding pipe volume is essential for plumbing, HVAC systems, industrial applications, and construction projects where you need to calculate fluid capacity or material requirements.
Volume Calculation Formulas
The formulas used depend on whether the pipe is solid or hollow:
- Solid Cylinder: V = π × r² × L (where r is radius and L is length)
- Hollow Pipe: V = π × (R² - r²) × L (where R is outer radius and r is inner radius)
- Radius is always half of the diameter (r = d ÷ 2)
Common Applications
- Plumbing: Calculate water capacity in pipes
- HVAC: Determine air volume in ductwork
- Industrial: Size tanks and storage cylinders
- Construction: Estimate concrete for cylindrical columns
- Agriculture: Calculate irrigation pipe capacity
- Chemical processing: Determine flow rates and volumes
Calculation Tips
- Always measure diameter, not radius, as it's easier to measure
- For hollow pipes, ensure outer diameter is larger than inner diameter
- Use consistent units throughout your measurements
- Account for fittings and bends when calculating total system volume
- Add 10-15% extra capacity for safety margins in critical applications
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between inner and outer diameter?
- The outer diameter is the total width of the pipe from outside edge to outside edge. The inner diameter is the width of the hollow space inside the pipe. The difference between them is twice the wall thickness.
- How do I convert between cubic meters and gallons?
- One cubic meter equals approximately 264.172 US gallons. This calculator automatically shows results in both units, along with liters and cubic feet, for your convenience.
- Can I use this calculator for rectangular ducts?
- No, this calculator is specifically for cylindrical pipes. For rectangular ducts, multiply length × width × height to get the volume.
- Why is my hollow pipe volume smaller than expected?
- Hollow pipe volume is the volume of the pipe material itself (the walls), not the internal capacity. If you need the internal capacity (how much fluid it can hold), use the solid cylinder formula with just the inner diameter.
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