Barrel Weight Calculator

Calculate the weight of a barrel based on its dimensions and material. This calculator supports both standard barrels and custom dimensions.

Barrel Type

cm
cm
cm
g/cm³
Enter the density of your custom material.
%
g/cm³
Enter the density of the barrel contents. For water, use 1.0 g/cm³.

Results

Empty Barrel Weight

Filled Barrel Weight

Barrel Capacity

Content Weight

Detailed Specifications

About Barrel Weight Calculation

How to Use the Barrel Weight Calculator

To use this calculator, follow these simple steps:

  1. Select whether you're using a standard barrel or custom dimensions.
  2. For standard barrels, select the size from the dropdown menu.
  3. For custom barrels, enter the diameter, height, and wall thickness.
  4. Select the barrel material or enter a custom material density.
  5. Specify the fill percentage if the barrel contains contents.
  6. Optionally, enter the density of the contents.
  7. Click "Calculate" to see the results.

Barrel Weight Calculation Formula

The weight of a barrel is calculated using the following formulas:

  • Barrel Volume = π × (Diameter/2)² × Height
  • Material Volume = π × [(Diameter/2)² - (Diameter/2 - Wall Thickness)²] × Height
  • Empty Barrel Weight = Material Volume × Material Density
  • Content Volume = (Barrel Volume - Material Volume) × (Fill Percentage/100)
  • Content Weight = Content Volume × Content Density
  • Filled Barrel Weight = Empty Barrel Weight + Content Weight

Common Barrel Sizes and Applications

Barrels come in various standard sizes for different applications:

  • 55-Gallon Drum (208 liters): The most common industrial size, used for storing and transporting chemicals, oils, and other materials.
  • 30-Gallon Drum (114 liters): Medium-sized drum often used for food products and some industrial applications.
  • 20-Gallon Drum (76 liters): Compact size for smaller quantities of materials.
  • 5-Gallon Bucket (19 liters): Common for paints, coatings, and food products.

Material Densities

Different barrel materials have different densities, affecting the overall weight:

  • Steel: 7.85 g/cm³
  • Stainless Steel: 8.0 g/cm³
  • Aluminum: 2.7 g/cm³
  • Plastic (HDPE): 0.95 g/cm³

Safety Considerations for Barrel Handling

When handling barrels, especially heavy ones, consider these safety tips:

  • Use proper lifting equipment for barrels over 50 pounds (23 kg).
  • Consider the weight distribution when stacking barrels.
  • Ensure storage racks and transportation equipment can handle the total weight.
  • Account for the weight of contents when planning logistics and shipping.
  • Follow industry regulations for maximum weight limits in your specific application.