Checked example
Worked calculation
Result: A volume of 0.1 m³ is 26.4172 US gallons but 21.9969 imperial gallons. The unit name matters.
01 • Guide
Two gallons, two answers
The US liquid gallon and imperial gallon are different defined volumes. The imperial gallon is about 20% larger, so the same tank has a smaller numeric capacity in UK gallons. This calculator labels both choices instead of using an ambiguous “gal”.
Keep the full precision of intermediate values and round only the final display. This avoids compounding error when a derived radius or converted unit is used in another step.
02 • Guide
Tank dimensions
For a vertical or completely full horizontal cylinder, orientation does not change total volume. For a partly filled horizontal tank, use the horizontal tool because liquid depth forms a circular segment rather than a simple fraction of height.
The calculator validates physical limits before displaying a result. Blank or impossible inputs never produce a stale value, NaN or Infinity.
03 • Guide
Accuracy in practice
Dimension uncertainty is magnified because radius is squared. A 1% radius error produces roughly a 2% volume error before height uncertainty is included. Keep more digits during calculation and round only the final operational result.
Interpretation
How to use the result responsibly
The answer models an ideal geometric cylinder. Manufacturing tolerances, wall thickness, rounded ends, deformation, tank tilt and measurement uncertainty can all shift a real value. Use inside dimensions for capacity and outside dimensions for occupied space. For safety, compliance, dosing, structural or purchasing decisions, compare the estimate with drawings, calibration data or a qualified professional.
Dimensional checks help catch mistakes: a volume result must carry cubic units, an area result square units and a derived radius or height linear units. If changing one unit alters the represented physical size, a conversion step was missed.