Standard 3" nominal Schedule 80 PVC pipe has an exact inside diameter of 2.9 inches, holding 0.3431 US gallons (4.261 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 | 0.343 gal | 1.30 L | 0.046 ft³ | 2.9 lbs | 1.9 lbs | 4.8 lbs |
| 2 ft | 0.686 gal | 2.60 L | 0.092 ft³ | 5.7 lbs | 3.8 lbs | 9.5 lbs |
| 5 ft | 1.716 gal | 6.49 L | 0.230 ft³ | 14.3 lbs | 9.5 lbs | 23.8 lbs |
| 10 ft | 3.431 gal | 12.99 L | 0.459 ft³ | 28.6 lbs | 19.0 lbs | 47.6 lbs |
| 20 ft | 6.862 gal | 25.98 L | 0.918 ft³ | 57.2 lbs | 38.1 lbs | 95.3 lbs |
| 50 ft | 17.16 gal | 64.9 L | 2.30 ft³ | 143.1 lbs | 95.2 lbs | 238.2 lbs |
| 100 ft | 34.31 gal | 129.9 L | 4.59 ft³ | 286.1 lbs | 190.3 lbs | 476.4 lbs |
| 250 ft | 85.78 gal | 324.7 L | 11.48 ft³ | 715.3 lbs | 475.8 lbs | 1191.0 lbs |
| 500 ft | 171.55 gal | 649.4 L | 22.95 ft³ | 1430.5 lbs | 951.5 lbs | 2382.0 lbs |
Step-by-step mathematical demonstration using cylinder geometric principles and ASTM D1785 specifications.
Nominal size is 3", but true inner diameter is 2.9 inches.
r = ID / 2 = 2.9 / 2 = 1.4500" Compute circular cross-section area using $A = \pi \times r^2$:
A = \pi \times (1.4500)^2 = 6.6052 sq in Multiply cross-sectional area by 12 inches (1 linear foot):
V_linear = 6.6052 \times 12 = 79.262 cu in/ft Divide cubic inches by 231 (cubic inches in 1 US Gallon):
Gallons/Ft = 79.262 / 231 = 0.3431 Gal/Ft Physical dimensions, pressure thresholds, and hydraulic velocity limits.
Primary Use Case: Large commercial and industrial cooling water headers, high-pressure wastewater transport, and heavy chemical handling.
Explore adjacent diameter calculations or compare with different pressure schedules.
Compare fluid holding capacity, wall thickness, and weight against other standard piping materials for 3" nominal diameter:
Frequently asked engineering and volumetric capacity questions for 3" PVC.
A 50-foot run holds 17.16 US Gallons (64.95 Liters) of water.