Pipe Volume Calculator

Plumbers and other contractors need the right tools to solve complex math equations in the field, such as calculating the volume of a pipe to determine how much water it can handle. ServiceTitan’s pipe volume calculator makes a pipe calculation simple and easy.

Measure the volume of pipes based on inner diameter and length. You can also use this calculator to tally how much the volume of water in pipes weighs.

What is a pipe volume calculator?

Plumbers and others in the skilled trades use a pipe water volume calculator to determine the exact volume of pipe as well as the liquid mass, or weight of the water, that flows through it. This super-helpful tool essentially works as a liquid volume calculator.

Who uses a pipe volume calculator?

Plumbers, irrigation contractors, septic crews, and pool service workers constantly do pipe calc math in the field to figure out the right size of pipe to install, determine water flow and pressure, or work to maximize pump efficiency.

ServiceTitan’s volume of pipe calculator also easily computes:

• Water capacity of in-home heating systems.

• Pipework calculations needed for refilling a garden pond.

• Volume of piping needed to install an irrigation system for lawns and gardens. 

• The right piping size calculation needed for refilling a swimming pool.

Volume of Pipe Formula

The pipe volume formula is:

Volume = pi x radius² x length

To do piping size calculation, follow these steps: 

• Find the inner diameter and length of the pipe, in inches or millimeters.

• Calculate the inner diameter of the pipe by measuring the distance from one inside edge, across the center, and to the opposite inside edge.

• Use the same units (inches or millimeters) to measure the length of pipe.

• Calculate the radius of the pipe through its diameter. To get the radius, divide the diameter by 2.

• Take the radius and square it, or multiply it by itself. For instance, 5² = 25.

Example of How to Calculate Pipe Volume

Here’s a specific example of how to apply the volume of a pipe formula:

• For a 1-inch pipe that measures 50-feet long:

• radius = 1 inch ÷ 2 = .5 inch

• length = 50 × 12 inches = 600 inches

• volume = π (pi) × radius squared × length

• volume = 3.14159 × (.5 x .5) × 600

• volume = 3.14159 × .25 × 600

• volume = 471.24 in³

Helpful Hint: To square a number, multiply the number by itself. To cube a number, multiply the number by itself three times.

Volume of Pipe Calculator in Gallons

If you need to know water capacity in gallons, you’ll need to convert the water volume in the pipe calculator metric to cubic inches.

• A cubic inch = 1 inch x 1 inch x 1 inch. 

• An inch = a measurement of length. 

• A square inch = a measurement of area. 

• A cubic inch = a measurement of volume.

• There are 231 cubic inches in 1 U.S. gallon.

• Density of water = 997 kg/m³

Let ServiceTitan’s water pipe volume calculator take the guesswork out of the equation when trying to determine the volume of water in pipes measured in gallons. For common pipe dimensions, contractors can also refer to a general pipe volume chart online.

Piping Size Calculator Bonus Tip

If you’re unsure how to measure the inner diameter of a pipe, consider investing in a set of calipers that fit around the outside of the pipe. Use the calipers to measure the outside diameter directly instead of estimating inner diameter based on circumference.

Once you determine the outer diameter, refer to this common pipe dimensions table to clearly find the inner diameter of your pipe.

Volume of a Pipe: Bottom line

The volume of pipe equals the volume of liquid inside it, or the amount of space it occupies. 

Plumbers and other service contractors seek accurate measurements when working on pipes for plumbing, HVAC, irrigation, and more, so they perform the work correctly the first time. 

ServiceTitan’s Pipe Volume Calculator improves data accuracy, saves time, and reduces waste, so you know you’ve chosen the right-sized pipes for the job each and every time.

Disclaimer Statement

*The recommended values are in good faith and are solely meant for generic, informative purposes. We do not guarantee the accuracy of this information. Please note that other external factors may affect or falsify the recommendations. For accurate results, consult a professional.