Tank Strapping Chart Generator (Level to Volume)
Generate a level to volume table (strapping chart) for a vertical or horizontal cylindrical tank. Enter the diameter and length and the workbook builds 41 points from empty to full.
Download
- Calculator sheet with a worked example
- How to Use sheet with steps
- 207 built in formulas, no macros
- Yellow input cells, grey results
- Calculation sign off block
- Excel, Google Sheets and LibreOffice
Worked Example
These are the results of the example already filled in the workbook. Replace the yellow cells with your own data.
Strapping chart
| Point | Level (m) | Level (%) | Volume (m³) | Volume (litres) | Volume (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0.000 | 0.0 | 0.000 | 0 | 0.0 |
| 1 | 0.050 | 2.5 | 0.105 | 105 | 0.7 |
| 2 | 0.100 | 5.0 | 0.294 | 294 | 1.9 |
| 3 | 0.150 | 7.5 | 0.535 | 535 | 3.4 |
| 4 | 0.200 | 10.0 | 0.818 | 818 | 5.2 |
| 5 | 0.250 | 12.5 | 1.133 | 1,133 | 7.2 |
| 6 | 0.300 | 15.0 | 1.477 | 1,477 | 9.4 |
| 7 | 0.350 | 17.5 | 1.846 | 1,846 | 11.8 |
| 8 | 0.400 | 20.0 | 2.236 | 2,236 | 14.2 |
| 9 | 0.450 | 22.5 | 2.645 | 2,645 | 16.8 |
| 10 | 0.500 | 25.0 | 3.071 | 3,071 | 19.6 |
| 11 | 0.550 | 27.5 | 3.511 | 3,511 | 22.4 |
… and 29 more rows in the download.
About this Calculator
A horizontal tank is not linear: the first and last 10 % of level hold far less volume than the middle. A strapping chart converts level to volume for inventory, DCS linearisation tables and level transmitter characterisation.
Basis: Geometric volume of a cylinder and a horizontal circular segment (flat ends). Dished ends, internals and deadwood are not included.
How to use
- Choose horizontal or vertical cylinder.
- Enter the inside diameter and the length (horizontal) or height (vertical) in metres.
- The table gives volume at 41 equal level steps; print it or load it into the DCS as a linearisation table.
Formulas used
- Vertical: V = π r² h.
- Horizontal: V = L × [r² acos((r − h) ÷ r) − (r − h) √(2rh − h²)].
- Volume % = V ÷ total volume × 100.
Related tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tank strapping chart?
A table that converts liquid level to volume for a particular tank.
Why is a horizontal tank not linear?
The liquid surface width changes with level, widest at half full, so each centimetre holds a different volume.
Does this include dished ends?
No. Use the online horizontal tank with dished ends calculator for heads.
Learn more on the blog
Hydrostatic level measurement
A practical guide on instrumentationblog.in that explains the engineering behind this workbook.
Read Full Article