Calculate the volume of a barrel or drum in litres and gallons from bilge diameter, head diameter, and height.
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The barrel volume calculator estimates the capacity of a barrel or cylindrical drum from its bilge (maximum) diameter, head (end) diameter, and height. Results are shown in litres, US gallons, and UK gallons.
A barrel is wider at the middle (bilge) than at the ends (head). The standard approximation treats the barrel as a solid of revolution and uses the formula V = (pi * h / 12) * (2 * D_bilge^2 + D_head^2).
For a straight-sided drum where bilge and head diameters are equal, the formula reduces to the standard cylinder volume: V = pi * r^2 * h.
V = (pi * h / 12)(2D_b^2 + D_h^2)
D_b = bilge diameter, D_h = head diameter, h = height.
This is an approximation — real barrel profiles vary. The formula assumes a smooth parabolic bulge. Actual capacity depends on the exact stave curvature.
Frequently asked questions
A Bordeaux wine barrel holds approximately 225 litres (about 59 US gallons). Barrel sizes vary by region and tradition.
The barrel is a straight cylinder. The formula simplifies to V = pi * r^2 * h.
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