Pipe Volume Calculator
Use our pipe volume calculator to determine how much fluid a pipe can hold based on its diameter and length. Quickly and accurately calculate the volume of a pipe and estimate the weight of the fluid it contains.
This tool is made for plumbers and contractors who need fast, accurate answers on the job.
Disclaimer:
The outputs, any associated images or diagrams, any measurements, and any and all other information (collectively, the “Outputs”) are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute a binding quote or professional advice. The Outputs are based on general assumptions and the information you provided, which may not reflect the actual specifications or condition of the subject of the calculation, particularly in the case of complex structures or inputs. Accuracy may also vary depending on location, as some data may be more complete in certain regions than others. Actual results or outcomes may vary significantly following an onsite inspection and detailed assessment by a qualified professional. Any auto-generated visuals are for illustrative purposes and may not accurately represent the subject of the calculation. The Outputs should not be relied upon as a final result or used as the sole basis for financial, renovation, operational, or strategic decisions. Jobber recommends consultation with a qualified professional before proceeding with any work, quotes, or financial decisions. Jobber and its affiliates make no warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the Outputs, and to the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim all liability for any damages or losses arising from reliance on the Outputs.
How to use the pipe volume calculator
Our pipe water volume calculator is designed to help you find the exact volume of any pipe. Simply enter the required details below, with the option to use either metric or imperial units:
- Diameter: Select either the interior or exterior pipe diameter measurement from the drop-down menu. You only have to pick one—the other value will be automatically calculated based on your selection.
- Total Length: Enter the pipe length and select your unit of measurement (inches, feet, or yards) from the drop-down menu.
Once you’ve entered your values, click the “Calculate” button to view the results.
Here’s an example of how you can use our calculator to find the volume of a 1” diameter pipe that is 30 feet long.
Enter the following values into the pipe capacity calculator:
- Inside diameter: 1”
- Total length: 30 feet
This gives us a pipe volume of 283 in³ or 1.22 gallons. Our pipeline capacity calculator also provides the weight of the fluid flowing through the pipe, which in this case is 10.2 lb.
What is a pipe volume calculator?
A pipe volume calculator is a tool that helps you determine the internal volume a pipe. It calculates the space inside a pipe based on its inner diameter and length.
This is useful for determining how much water, gas, or other fluid a pipe can hold. Many calculators (including ours) also estimate the weight of the liquid inside, based on its volume and liquid density.
Whether you’re working with a plumbing pipe, tubing, or another type of hollow cylinder, knowing its volume is key for building an efficient system.
Volume of pipe formula: how to calculate pipe volume
Use this pipe volume formula to calculate the volume of water (or any fluid) in a pipe, based on its dimensions:
Pipe volume = π × radius² × length
This is the same cylinder volume formula used to find the volume of a cylindrical pipe. Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Measure the inner diameter of the pipe (not the outer diameter—unless you’re using our free tool, which allows for either measurement).
- Divide the diameter by 2 to get the radius.
- Square the radius (multiply it by itself).
- Multiply by π (about 3.1416).
- Multiply by the length of the pipe.
The result gives you the pipe’s volume in cubic inches, cubic feet, cubic meters, centimeters, or millimeters. It all depends on the units you used for diameter and length.
You can use our pipe volume calculator in gallons or litres—just convert the volume afterward if needed. Separate formulas apply for different systems, like a rectangular tank, since our calculator is based on a round pipe shape.
Or, if you’d rather keep things easy, you can use our free tubing volume calculator. It factors in pi and calculates radius based on the pipe’s internal or external diameter. All you need to enter is the pipe’s diameter and length.
You can also use this tool as a gallons-per-foot-of-pipe calculator. Once you have the total volume of a pipe in gallons, just divide that value by the pipe length in feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Plumbers, contractors, engineers, and other service technicians regularly use a pipe volume calculator. It quickly determines how much fluid a pipe can hold, which is important for designing, sizing, and troubleshooting piping systems.
Plumbing apps and other digital plumbing tools often include pipe volume features to speed up field work. These calculations help you size equipment, estimate materials, and check flow capacity.
If you want to know how to price plumbing jobs or how to bid plumbing jobs more accurately, being able to calculate the volume of a pipe can be a big help.
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While pipe volume calculation doesn’t directly determine water pressure, they’re still related.
Pipe diameter affects both volume and pressure. Wider pipes carry more water and reduce resistance, which can help keep pressure steady—as long as the pump or water source provides enough force.
Pipe length plays a role, too. Longer pipes cause more friction, which lowers water pressure, especially if the pipe is narrow or the water is moving quickly.
Volumetric flow rate—how much fluid is flowing through the pipe over time—is also important. When you know the pipe’s volume and flow rate, you can choose the right pump, pick the best pipe size, and maintain consistent water pressure. -
If you know the internal volume of a pipe and its length, you can calculate diameter by rearranging the pipe volume formula like so:
Diameter = Square root of ( (Volume / Length) / π ) x 2
For this example, let’s say you have a 10-foot pipe with a volume of 94.2 in³, or 0.408 gallons. Here’s how we would find the pipe’s diameter:
1. Convert the pipe’s length to inches (since the volume is in cubic inches)
• 10 feet x 12 = 120 inches
2. Divide the pipe’s volume by its length.
• 94.2 in³ ÷ 120 in = 0.785 in²
3. Divide by pi.
• 0.785 ÷ 𝜋 = 0.25
4. Find the square root to get the pipe’s radius.
• √0.25 = 0.5 in
5. Multiply the radius by 2 to get the diameter.
• 0.5 × 2 = 1 inch
Pro Tip: Make sure to convert all of your measurements to the same unit before you start calculating anything.
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Yes and no. Pipe wall thickness doesn’t directly appear in volume calculations, but it reduces the inner diameter—which means less pipe volume.
When you’re measuring a pipe or tube to calculate its volume, measure or confirm the inner diameter to get an accurate result.