What is the standard bushel conversion used?

This calculator uses the USDA Winchester bushel standard: 1 bushel = 1.2445 cubic feet (or 0.03524 cubic meters). This is the accepted standard for grain storage capacity in the United States.

Should I use the inside or outside diameter?

Always use the inside diameter of the bin. The inside diameter excludes the wall thickness and gives the true storage volume. For most commercial bins the inside diameter is typically 1-4 inches less than the outside measurement.

Eave height (also called wall height or sidewall height) is the vertical distance from the floor to the point where the roof begins — not the total height including the roof peak. Manufacturers list eave height in product specifications.

Does this calculator account for the roof cone or peak?

No. This calculator computes only the cylindrical portion of storage. The roof cone adds a small additional volume (roughly 3-8% depending on roof pitch), so actual capacity may be slightly higher. Grain safety guidelines recommend loading to eave height only.

What bulk density should I use for different grains?

Common bulk densities: corn 56 lb/bu, soybeans 60 lb/bu, wheat 60 lb/bu, grain sorghum 56 lb/bu, oats 32 lb/bu, barley 48 lb/bu. Enter these values in the optional weight section to estimate total stored weight.

How accurate is this calculator?

The formula is mathematically exact for a perfect cylinder. Real-world capacity can vary due to grain pile angle (peaked center), aeration floor space, moisture content, and bin foundation type. Use results as a planning estimate, not a certified measurement.

Grain Storage Calculator

Name: Grain Storage Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter your grain bin diameter and wall height to instantly calculate storage capacity in bushels and cubic meters.

Bin Dimensions

Unit System

Inside Diameter (feet)

Measure inside the bin wall at floor level.

Eave (Wall) Height (feet)

Vertical wall height from floor to roof eave.

Optional: Estimate Stored Weight

Bulk Density (lb/bu)

Quick Preset

Enter bin dimensions and click Calculate to see storage capacity.

Copied!

Summary

Enter your grain bin diameter and wall height to instantly calculate storage capacity in bushels and cubic meters.

How it works

Select your preferred unit system: feet/inches (imperial) or meters (metric).
Enter the bin diameter — measured across the inside of the bin.
Enter the eave height — the vertical wall height from floor to the roof eave.
Click Calculate to see storage volume in bushels, cubic feet, and cubic meters.
Optionally enter a grain bulk density to estimate storage weight in tons or tonnes.

Use cases

Estimate whether an existing bin can hold a full field harvest before grain is delivered.
Compare capacity options when shopping for a new grain bin by trying different diameters.
Calculate how many bins are needed to store a given amount of grain at harvest time.
Verify bin inventory figures reported by operators against known bin dimensions.
Plan grain marketing and transport logistics based on total on-farm storage capacity.
Estimate weight of stored grain for structural load or insurance valuation purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related tools

Crop Yield Calculator Fertilizer Calculator Silage Calculator

Last updated: 2026-05-29 · Reviewed by Nham Vu