How to Figure the Volume of a Storage Bin

If you want to work out the volume of a storage bin, then you need to use some volume mathematics. Storage bins will typically have their volume engraved on the underside of the bin, but if they don't then you can still figure out the volume using the volume equation. This equation assumes that your bin is cylindrical, if it is odd-shaped then you can still estimate the volume, but you will not be able to figure the exact volume without more advanced maths.

Instructions

1. Measure the width of the bin and divide this number by two. This is the radius of the bin. For example, if the width is 40 cm, then the radius will be 20 cm.

2. Square the radius (multiply it by itself) and then multiple that figure by π (pi). If you are not using a calculator with pi on it, multiply it by 3.14. This figure gives you the surface area of the top of the bin. In this example, the surface area of the top is 1,256 square centimeters.

3. Measure the height of the bin and multiple this figure by the surface area of the top of the bin. This produces the volume in cubic centimeters. If the height of the bin is 100 cm, then the volume will be 125,600 cubic centimeters.

4. Divide the cubic centimeters figure by 1,000 to produce the volume in liters. In the example, this would be 125.6 L. Multiply the original number by 0.002 to find out the volume in pints. In the example this would make the volume 251.2 pints.

References

• Maths Teacher: Year 9 Maths - Volume of a Cylinder
• CalculateMe: Convert Cubic Centimeters to Liters
• CalculateMe: Convert Cubic Centimeters to Pints