Our grain bin capacity calculator helps compute the storage capacity of grain bins,used for storing bulk grains like corn, wheat, and soybeans using C = π × r² × H formula.
The bin capacity calculator requires the dimensions of the grain bin, including its height and radius (or diameter), to compute the total volume in cubic feet. This volume can then be converted into bushels—a common measurement for grain—using a conversion factor. For example, one cubic foot of grain is approximately equivalent to 0.7786 bushels.
If a farmer has a grain bin with a radius of 10 feet and a height of 20 feet, the capacity can be calculated using the formula:
C = π × r² × HSubstituting the values:
C = π × (10)² × 20 = 6283.18 ft³To convert this to bushels:
Bushels = 6283.18 / 1.24446 ≈ 5048.92Grain Bin Capacity Calculator
| Configuration Details | Calculated Volume | Usable Capacity | Safety Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30′ × 40′ Wheat | 21,200 bushels | 20,140 bushels | 5% |
| 36′ × 45′ Corn | 34,715 bushels | 32,979 bushels | 5% |
| 42′ × 50′ Soybeans | 52,830 bushels | 50,188 bushels | 5% |
| 24′ × 30′ Barley | 18,500 bushels | 17,575 bushels | 5% |
| 28′ × 35′ Oats | 25,000 bushels | 23,750 bushels | 5% |
| 32′ × 40′ Rye | 32,000 bushels | 30,400 bushels | 5% |
| 40′ × 50′ Canola | 60,000 bushels | 57,000 bushels | 5% |
| 48′ × 60′ Mixed Grains | 85,000 bushels | 80,750 bushels | 5% |
| 36′ × 60′ Sunflower Seeds | 45,000 bushels | 42,750 bushels | 5% |
| 30′ × 50′ Peas | 28,500 bushels | 27,075 bushels | 5% |
| 50′ × 70′ Sorghum | 110,000 bushels | 104,500 bushels | 5% |
Grain Bin Capacity Chart
| Radius (ft) | Height 5 ft (ft³) | Height 10 ft (ft³) | Height 15 ft (ft³) | Height 20 ft (ft³) | Height 25 ft (ft³) | Height 30 ft (ft³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 130.90 | 785.40 | 1178.10 | 1570.80 | 1963.50 | 2356.20 |
| 10 | 3141.59 | 6283.19 | 9424.78 | 12566.37 | 15708.97 | 18850.56 |
| 15 | 7068.58 | 14137.17 | 21205.75 | 28274.34 | 35342.92 | 42411.51 |
| 20 | 12566.37 | 25132.74 | 37799.11 | 50465.48 | 63131.85 | 75798.22 |
| 25 | 4908.75 | 9731.50 | 14554.25 | 19677.00 | 24799.75 | 29922.50 |
| 30 | 7068.58 | 14137.17 | 21205.75 | 28274.34 | 35342.92 | 42411.51 |
| 35 | 9605.24 | 19210.48 | 28815.72 | 38420.96 | 48026.20 | 57631.44 |
| 40 | 12566.37 | 25132.74 | 37799.11 | 50465.48 | 63131.85 | 75798.22 |
Grain Bin Capacity Formula
The formula for calculating the capacity of a grain bin is:
C = π × r² × HWhere:
- C = Capacity in cubic feet
- r = Radius of the bin in feet
- H = Height of the bin in feet
Consider a grain bin with a radius of 12 feet and a height of 25 feet:
Calculate the volume: C = π × (12)² × 25
C = π × 144 × 25 ≈ 11309.73 ft³Convert to bushels: Bushels = 11309.73 / 1.24446 ≈ 9094.78
What is Grain Bin Capacity?
Grain bin capacity refers to the total volume that a grain bin can hold, typically measured in cubic feet or bushels. This measurement is vital for farmers as it directly impacts their ability to store harvested grains without spoilage or loss due to overfilling or underutilization.
The capacity varies significantly based on the bin’s dimensions and shape—cylindrical bins are most common, but rectangular bins also exist for specific storage needs.
How to Calculate Grain Bin Capacity?
Calculating grain bin capacity involves several steps:
- Measure Dimensions: Obtain accurate measurements for the radius and height of the bin.
- Apply Formula: Use the formula C = π r² H to calculate volume in cubic feet.
- Convert Volume: To find out how many bushels this volume represents, divide by the conversion factor (1.24446).
For a grain bin with a diameter of 24 feet (thus a radius of 12 feet) and a height of 15 feet:
- Calculate volume: C = π × (12)² × 15
C = π × 144 × 15 ≈ 6785.83 ft³ - Convert to bushels: Bushels = 6785.83 / 1.24446 ≈ 5450.45
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