Pipe Volume Calculator
Calculate the internal volume of pipes based on diameter and length for plumbing projects
Total Volume
Fluid Capacity
Fluid Weight
Pipe Dimensions
Volume in All Units
| Unit | Per Pipe | Total |
|---|
Step-by-Step Calculation
Common Pipe Sizes Reference
Pipes are identified by their Nominal Pipe Size (NPS), which does not directly correspond to any physical dimension. The actual inner diameter depends on the pipe material and wall thickness (schedule).
| NPS | OD (in) | Sch 40 ID (in) | Sch 80 ID (in) | Gal/ft (Sch 40) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2" | 0.840 | 0.622 | 0.546 | 0.016 |
| 3/4" | 1.050 | 0.824 | 0.742 | 0.028 |
| 1" | 1.315 | 1.049 | 0.957 | 0.045 |
| 1-1/4" | 1.660 | 1.380 | 1.278 | 0.078 |
| 1-1/2" | 1.900 | 1.610 | 1.500 | 0.106 |
| 2" | 2.375 | 2.067 | 1.939 | 0.174 |
| 3" | 3.500 | 3.068 | 2.900 | 0.384 |
| 4" | 4.500 | 4.026 | 3.826 | 0.661 |
| 6" | 6.625 | 6.065 | 5.761 | 1.501 |
| 8" | 8.625 | 7.981 | 7.625 | 2.599 |
How to Calculate Pipe Volume
The volume of a pipe is calculated using the formula for the volume of a cylinder. Since pipes are hollow, we use the inner diameter to find the internal volume that holds fluid.
Volume = π × r² × L
Where:
Ï€ = 3.14159...
r = inner radius = inner diameter ÷ 2
L = pipe length
Or equivalently:
Volume = π × (ID/2)² × L
Volume = (π × ID² × L) ÷ 4
Common Conversions
- 1 US gallon = 231 cubic inches = 0.1337 cubic feet
- 1 cubic foot = 7.4805 US gallons = 28.3168 liters
- 1 liter = 61.024 cubic inches = 0.2642 US gallons
- 1 cubic meter = 264.172 US gallons = 1,000 liters
- Water weighs 8.34 lb/gallon (62.4 lb/ft³) at 60°F
Pipe Materials and Applications
Copper
- • Potable water supply lines
- • Types: K (thickest), L (standard), M (thinnest)
- • Excellent corrosion resistance
- • Temperature range: -40°F to 400°F
- • Common sizes: 1/2" to 4"
PVC / CPVC
- • Drain, waste, vent (DWV) systems
- • PVC max temp: 140°F; CPVC max temp: 200°F
- • Lightweight and easy to install
- • Chemical resistant
- • Common sizes: 1/2" to 12"
PEX
- • Hot and cold water supply
- • Flexible, freeze-resistant tubing
- • Easy installation with crimp/clamp fittings
- • Temperature range: 32°F to 200°F
- • Common sizes: 3/8" to 1"
Steel / Iron
- • Gas lines, fire sprinklers, high pressure
- • Schedules: 5, 10, 40, 80, 160
- • High strength and durability
- • Temperature range: -20°F to 750°F
- • Common sizes: 1/8" to 36"
Why Calculate Pipe Volume?
- System draining: Know how much fluid to collect when draining plumbing or HVAC systems
- Chemical treatment: Calculate water volume for proper dosing of water treatment chemicals
- Flushing and purging: Determine volume needed to flush a system after repairs
- Hydronic heating: Size expansion tanks and calculate antifreeze quantities
- Fire suppression: Calculate fill volume for sprinkler system piping
- Hot water wait time: Estimate how long until hot water reaches a fixture
- Pressure testing: Know the volume for hydrostatic test calculations
Related Calculators
Note: This calculator provides theoretical internal volumes based on standard pipe dimensions. Actual volumes may vary due to manufacturing tolerances, corrosion, scale buildup, fittings, and bends. Always consult manufacturer specifications for critical applications. Pipe schedule dimensions follow ASME B36.10M (steel) and ASTM standards.
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