Part of the Agriculture collection — 4 tools available
Grain Storage Calculator — Bin Capacity
Calculate grain bin storage capacity in bushels and tons. Enter bin diameter and grain depth to estimate how much corn, wheat, or soybeans it holds.
About This Calculator
Knowing your grain bin capacity is essential for harvest planning, marketing decisions, and avoiding costly overflow or underutilization during the busy harvest window. Grain bins are cylindrical, and bushel capacity depends on the commodity's test weight — corn at 56 pounds per bushel fills differently than wheat at 60 pounds or soybeans at 60. A 30-foot diameter bin that's 20 feet to the eave holds roughly 14,000 bushels of corn, but the actual number changes with grain type and packing depth. Our grain storage calculator uses your bin dimensions and test weight for accurate estimates.
The Formula Behind This Calculator
Bushels = Volume * Packed density Wheat ~60 lbs/bu, Corn ~56 lbs/bu Proper storage loss: 1-2%.
Understanding the math helps you verify results and make better decisions for your project.
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How to Use
- 1Enter the bin diameter in feet (measure inside the bin wall).
- 2Enter the grain depth — the height of grain in the bin, not the bin wall height.
- 3Set the test weight for your grain: corn 56, wheat 60, soybeans 60 lb/bu.
When to Use
- →Planning harvest logistics and determining if existing bins have enough capacity.
- →Evaluating whether to build a new grain bin or sell at harvest.
- →Estimating grain inventory for marketing or loan collateral.
Tips
- ✓Level-full bins hold less than calculated if grain is peaked — account for cone shape.
- ✓Add 1-2 feet of freeboard (empty space) at the top for aeration and safety.
- ✓Moisture content affects storage: wet grain (above 15% for corn) needs drying before long-term storage.
FAQ
What test weight should I use?
Standard test weights: corn 56 lb/bu, wheat 60 lb/bu, soybeans 60 lb/bu, oats 32 lb/bu, barley 48 lb/bu. Lower test weight grain takes more bin volume per bushel.
Does peaked grain change the capacity?
Yes. A peaked cone on top of level grain adds about 0.21 × diameter³ cubic feet. Our calculator assumes a flat top — add the cone volume for peaked bins.
How do I convert bushels to metric tons?
Multiply bushels by test weight in pounds, then divide by 2204.6 to get metric tons. For corn: bushels × 56 ÷ 2204.6 = metric tons.
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