Grain Storage Calculator
The Same Bin Holds a Different Tonnage Depending on the Grain
A cylindrical storage bin's volume is fixed by its geometry, but its storage capacity in tonnes is not — it depends on the bulk density of whatever grain fills it. Oats, at roughly half the bulk density of wheat, take up nearly twice the bin space for the same weight, which matters directly when deciding whether an existing bin has enough capacity for a given harvest.
The Formula
Volume = π × r² × Height
Capacity (kg) = Volume (m³) × Bulk Density (kg/m³)
Capacity (kg) = Volume (m³) × Bulk Density (kg/m³)
Where This Calculation Matters
- Matching harvest to storage — before harvest, checking bin capacity against expected yield avoids discovering a shortfall with grain already coming off the field.
- Comparing bin sizes for new construction — sizing a new bin correctly requires knowing the bulk density of the specific grain it will primarily store.
- Switching crops in rotation — a bin that comfortably held a corn harvest may be undersized for the same weight of a lower-density grain like oats.
- Grain marketing and logistics — converting bin volume to tonnes is necessary for scheduling trucking, rail capacity, or elevator delivery around actual grain weight.
Storage Capacity by Grain Type (6m Diameter × 4m Fill Height)
| Grain | Bulk density | Capacity (tonnes) |
|---|---|---|
| Wheat | 770 kg/m³ | 87.08 t |
| Soybean | 770 kg/m³ | 87.08 t |
| Rice | 750 kg/m³ | 84.82 t |
| Corn | 721 kg/m³ | 81.54 t |
| Barley | 620 kg/m³ | 70.12 t |
| Oats | 410 kg/m³ | 46.37 t |
The same bin volume swings from roughly 46 to 87 tonnes of capacity depending on grain type — bulk density, not bin size alone, sets the real weight limit.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the bin diameter in meters.
- Enter the fill height in meters.
- Select the grain type from the dropdown.
- Select Calculate to get storage capacity in tonnes and approximate bushels.
Related Calculations
Check the harvest volume feeding this bin with the Crop Yield Calculator, or plan the field area behind that harvest with the Land Area Calculator.