Grain Storage Calculator
Calculate grain bin capacity in bushels from bin dimensions. Includes peaked grain and different grain types.
Results
Visualization
How It Works
Grain bin capacity is calculated from the cylinder volume plus the cone of grain peaked above the eave. One bushel equals 1.25 cubic feet for most grains. Standard bins range from 18 to 105 feet in diameter.
The Formula
Cylinder Volume = π × r² × Eave Height
Cone Volume = ⅓ × π × r² × Peak Height
Bushels = Total Volume ÷ 1.25
Cone Volume = ⅓ × π × r² × Peak Height
Bushels = Total Volume ÷ 1.25
Variables
- r — Bin radius in feet (diameter ÷ 2)
- Eave Height — Height of the straight wall (ring count × ring height)
- Peak Height — Height of grain cone above eave (depends on angle of repose, ~25-28°)
Example
A 36-foot diameter bin with 24-foot eave and 5-foot peak: Cylinder = 24,429 cu ft, Cone = 1,696 cu ft = 20,900 bushels total.
Tips
- Actual capacity is 5-10% less than calculated due to floors, fans, and unloading equipment.
- Peaked grain is harder to aerate — level after filling for proper airflow.
- A 36×24 bin holds about 20,000 bushels — enough for ~125 acres of 160 bu/acre corn.