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Silo and Grain Bin Capacity Calculator

Works out what a round bin or silo holds.

Set by the grain’s natural slope. Zero for a level fill.

Zero for a flat floor.

Measured up from the floor, or from the top of the hopper.

kg/m³

Bulk density varies with the grain and its condition. As a guide, about 750–800 for wheat, 700–750 for maize, 600–700 for barley and 400–550 for oats. A test weight on your own grain is better.

Capacity
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Share sends a link that reopens these numbers. Copy details pastes the full breakdown as a list.

Weight when full —
US bushels when full — bu
Contents at this depth —
Weight at this depth —
Share full — %
Reading this —

The formula

capacity = π ÷ 4 × d² × wall + π ÷ 12 × d² × (peak + hopper)

A cylinder for the walls, and a cone each for the peak and the hopper.

What to watch out for

The level you measure is at the wall, for a flat surface, so the contents leave out any peak. An uneven surface needs averaging. Grain settles and packs down in a deep bin, so real weight can exceed the figure. The maker’s rating sets the safe limit, whatever the arithmetic says. Fill and empty only as designed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 6 m bin, 10 m to the eaves, hold?

297 m³ with a 1.5 m peak, or about 229 t of grain at 770 kg/m³.

Is it safe to enter a bin to check the level?

Flowing or bridged grain can trap and bury a person within seconds. Measure from outside, and follow confined-space rules if entry cannot be avoided.

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