Gallons Per Inch Formula:
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The Gallons Per Inch calculation determines how many gallons of liquid a cylindrical tank holds per vertical inch of height. This is particularly useful for gas tanks to estimate fuel levels based on depth measurements.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the volume of a cylinder with 1-inch height, then converts from cubic inches to gallons.
Details: Knowing gallons per inch helps in fuel management, tank calibration, and creating accurate dipstick measurements for cylindrical tanks.
Tips: Enter the tank radius in inches. The radius is half of the tank's diameter. Ensure the value is positive and accurate for precise results.
Q1: Why is 231 used in the formula?
A: 231 cubic inches equals one US gallon, which is the standard conversion factor for liquid volume.
Q2: Does this work for non-cylindrical tanks?
A: No, this formula is specifically for perfect cylinders. Other tank shapes require different calculations.
Q3: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's mathematically precise for perfect cylinders, but real-world tanks may have variations due to manufacturing tolerances.
Q4: Can I use this for other liquids besides gas?
A: Yes, the calculation works for any liquid as long as you're using US gallons. The liquid density doesn't affect the volume calculation.
Q5: What if my tank is horizontal instead of vertical?
A: The calculation becomes more complex for horizontal tanks as the volume per inch varies with the fill level.