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Most silos are a cylinder over a cone hopper. Add the cylinder volume to the cone volume for the geometric capacity, then multiply by the material’s bulk density for the stored weight. Usable capacity is a bit less because of the angle of repose at the top and dead space at the outlet.
- Cylinder π×6²×20 = 2,262 ft³; cone ⅓π×6²×8 = 302 ft³.
- V = 2,564 ft³.
- Corn (45 lb/ft³) → ≈ 57.7 tons.
Reference tables
Typical bulk densities
| Material | lb/ft³ |
|---|---|
| Corn / grain | 45 |
| Wheat | 48 |
| Cement | 94 |
| Sand (dry) | 100 |
| Wood pellets | 40 |
| Plastic resin | 35 |
A number the tables do not give: a 12 ft-diameter, 20 ft-tall cylinder with an 8 ft cone holds about 2,560 ft³ — roughly 58 tons of corn.
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FAQ
Do I include the cone?
Yes — the hopper cone adds meaningful volume; add it to the cylinder for total capacity.
Geometric vs usable capacity?
Usable is lower: the angle of repose leaves a peaked/void top and the outlet has dead space. Plan on 85–95% usable.
Which bulk density?
Use the loose (poured) bulk density for filling estimates; compacted density is higher and used for structural loads.
Units?
Keep everything in feet and lb/ft³ so volume in ft³ times density gives pounds; divide by 2,000 for short tons.
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