Standard 1/2" nominal Schedule 80 PVC pipe has an exact inside diameter of 0.546 inches, holding 0.0122 US gallons (0.151 liters per meter) per linear foot. Part of our PVC Pipe Volume Hub and universal Pipe Volume Calculator suite.
Calculations are based on cylindrical formula \(V = \pi r^2 L\). Verify dimensions against manufacturer specs for code submittals.
Instant capacity and weight lookup table for common pipe lengths filled with water at 60°F (15.5°C).
| Pipe Length (Ft) | US Gallons | Liters | Cubic Feet (ft³) | Water Weight (lbs) | Dry Pipe (lbs) | Total Wet Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 ft | 0.012 gal | 0.05 L | 0.002 ft³ | 0.1 lbs | 0.2 lbs | 0.3 lbs |
| 2 ft | 0.024 gal | 0.09 L | 0.003 ft³ | 0.2 lbs | 0.4 lbs | 0.6 lbs |
| 5 ft | 0.061 gal | 0.23 L | 0.008 ft³ | 0.5 lbs | 1.0 lbs | 1.5 lbs |
| 10 ft | 0.122 gal | 0.46 L | 0.016 ft³ | 1.0 lbs | 2.0 lbs | 3.0 lbs |
| 20 ft | 0.244 gal | 0.92 L | 0.033 ft³ | 2.0 lbs | 4.0 lbs | 6.1 lbs |
| 50 ft | 0.61 gal | 2.3 L | 0.08 ft³ | 5.1 lbs | 10.1 lbs | 15.2 lbs |
| 100 ft | 1.22 gal | 4.6 L | 0.16 ft³ | 10.2 lbs | 20.2 lbs | 30.4 lbs |
| 250 ft | 3.05 gal | 11.5 L | 0.41 ft³ | 25.5 lbs | 50.5 lbs | 76.0 lbs |
| 500 ft | 6.10 gal | 23.0 L | 0.81 ft³ | 51.0 lbs | 101.0 lbs | 152.0 lbs |
Step-by-step mathematical demonstration using cylinder geometric principles and ASTM D1785 specifications.
Nominal size is 1/2", but true inner diameter is 0.546 inches.
r = ID / 2 = 0.546 / 2 = 0.2730" Compute circular cross-section area using $A = \pi \times r^2$:
A = \pi \times (0.2730)^2 = 0.2341 sq in Multiply cross-sectional area by 12 inches (1 linear foot):
V_linear = 0.2341 \times 12 = 2.810 cu in/ft Divide cubic inches by 231 (cubic inches in 1 US Gallon):
Gallons/Ft = 2.810 / 231 = 0.0122 Gal/Ft Physical dimensions, pressure thresholds, and hydraulic velocity limits.
Primary Use Case: High-pressure chemical feed loops, severe mechanical exposure locations, and commercial water filtration systems.
Explore adjacent diameter calculations or compare with different pressure schedules.
Compare fluid holding capacity, wall thickness, and weight against other standard piping materials for 1/2" nominal diameter:
Frequently asked engineering and volumetric capacity questions for 1/2" PVC.
Because Schedule 80 has a thicker wall (0.147" vs 0.109"), its inside diameter is smaller (0.546" vs 0.622"). Thus, 1/2" Sch 80 holds 0.0122 gal/ft compared to 0.0158 gal/ft in Sch 40.