Aquarium Calculator
Calculate aquarium volume, water capacity, and surface area. Essential for proper fish stocking and equipment sizing.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter aquarium length, width, and height.
- Select your unit (inches or centimeters).
- The calculator displays volume in gallons and liters, plus surface area.
- Use this to determine fish stocking capacity and equipment sizing.
Aquarium Volume Formula
Volume is calculated from dimensions:
Gallons = (Volume in cubic inches) / 231
Liters = Gallons × 3.78541
Surface Area = Length × Width
Example: 48" × 18" × 20" = 17,280 cubic inches. Gallons = 17,280 / 231 = 74.8 gallons. Liters = 74.8 × 3.78541 = 283 liters. Surface area = 48 × 18 = 864 square inches. Always measure inside dimensions for accurate calculations.
Full Description
The Aquarium Calculator helps you determine the volume, water capacity, and surface area of your aquarium. Knowing your tank\'s volume is essential for proper fish stocking, filter sizing, heater selection, and medication dosing. Overstocking an aquarium leads to stress, disease, and poor water quality, so accurate volume calculations are crucial.
Volume is calculated as Length × Width × Height. The calculator converts to gallons (1 gallon = 231 cubic inches) and liters for convenience. Surface area (Length × Width) is also important—it determines gas exchange (oxygen in, CO2 out). Tanks with more surface area provide better oxygenation, which is especially important for fish requiring high oxygen levels. Tall, narrow tanks have less surface area than wide, shallow tanks of the same volume.
This calculator helps you plan your aquarium setup. Enter dimensions and unit, and it calculates volume and surface area. Use it to determine fish stocking capacity (general rule: 1 inch of fish per gallon for small fish), select appropriate filters and heaters, calculate medication doses, or understand your tank\'s capacity. Always measure inside dimensions for accurate results!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate aquarium volume?
Volume = Length × Width × Height. The calculator converts to gallons (1 gallon = 231 cubic inches) and liters. Example: 48" × 18" × 20" = 17,280 cubic inches = 74.8 gallons = 283 liters. Always measure inside dimensions for accurate volume.
Why is volume important?
Volume determines fish stocking capacity, filter size, heater wattage, and medication dosing. Overstocking causes stress, disease, and poor water quality. General rule: 1 inch of fish per gallon (for small fish). Larger fish need more space.
What is surface area used for?
Surface area (length × width) determines gas exchange (oxygen in, CO2 out). More surface area = better oxygenation. This is especially important for fish that need high oxygen levels. Tall, narrow tanks have less surface area than wide, shallow tanks of the same volume.
Should I fill to full height?
Usually fill to 1-2 inches below the rim to prevent overflow and allow for decorations/equipment. The calculator shows full volume, but you may use slightly less water. Account for substrate (gravel/sand) which reduces actual water volume.