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Silo Volume Calculator

Work out silo volume instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Silo Volume Calculator

A silo is a cylinder over a cone. The cylinder holds pi x r^2 x height and the cone one third of that per unit height, so total volume is pi x r^2 x (cylinder height + cone height / 3). Multiplying by bulk density gives the tonnage held.

Formulas

Silo volume

Volume = pi x r^2 x cylinder height + pi x r^2 x cone height / 3

Capacity

Capacity (t) = volume x bulk density / 1000

Worked example

With the default values below, Silo Volume Calculator returns Silo Capacity of 229.729. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Silo Diameterminimum 0.1 m
6 m
Cylindrical Heightminimum 0 m
10 m
Cone / Hopper Heightminimum 0 m
2.5 m
Bulk Densityminimum 100 kg/m3
750 kg/m3

Results

Silo Capacity
229.729
Total Volume
306.305
Cylinder Volume
282.743
Cone Volume
23.562

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Silo volume
  3. 3Capacity
  4. 4Silo Capacity= 229.729
  5. 5Total Volume= 306.305
  6. 6Cylinder Volume= 282.743
  7. 7Cone Volume= 23.562

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 3 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I allow for the angle of repose at the top?

Yes if filling from a central spout — the heaped cone above the eaves adds volume, while for level filling you should discount the top 0.3-0.5 m as freeboard.

Why does the cone matter?

It is the discharge hopper and its wall angle must exceed the material's angle of friction or the silo will bridge and not flow. Volume-wise it adds a third of an equivalent cylinder.

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