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Oil Tank Capacity Formula:
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The oil tank capacity calculation determines the volume of liquid that a tank can hold, measured in US gallons. This is essential for storage planning, inventory management, and ensuring proper fuel supply for heating systems.
The calculator uses the standard volume formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the cubic volume of the tank and converts it to gallons using the standard conversion factor.
Details: Accurate tank capacity calculation is crucial for proper fuel management, budgeting for heating costs, preventing overfilling, and complying with storage regulations.
Tips: Measure the interior dimensions of your oil tank in inches. Enter length, width, and height values. All measurements must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.
Q1: Why use 7.48 as the conversion factor?
A: 7.48 is the standard conversion factor from cubic inches to US gallons (1 gallon = 231 cubic inches, so 1 cubic inch = 1/231 ≈ 0.004329 gallons, and the reciprocal is used in multiplication).
Q2: Can this calculator be used for cylindrical tanks?
A: No, this calculator is designed for rectangular tanks only. Cylindrical tanks require a different formula involving π and radius.
Q3: Should I measure internal or external dimensions?
A: Always measure internal dimensions for accurate capacity calculation, as tank walls have thickness that reduces internal volume.
Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation provides theoretical maximum capacity. Actual usable capacity may be slightly less due to tank design, fittings, and safe fill limits.
Q5: Can this be used for other liquids besides oil?
A: Yes, the calculation works for any liquid measurement in US gallons, though specific gravity differences may affect weight measurements.