55 Gallon Drum chart
Geometric capacity 57.7 gallons. A standard tight-head drum actually holds ~57.7 gal brim-full; 55 gal is the rated working capacity.
| Depth | Gallons | Liters | % Full |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1″ | 2 | 7 | 3% |
| 2″ | 3 | 13 | 6% |
| 3″ | 5 | 20 | 9% |
| 4″ | 7 | 26 | 12% |
| 5″ | 9 | 33 | 15% |
| 6″ | 10 | 39 | 18% |
| 7″ | 12 | 46 | 21% |
| 8″ | 14 | 52 | 24% |
| 9″ | 16 | 59 | 27% |
| 10″ | 17 | 65 | 30% |
| 11″ | 19 | 72 | 33% |
| 12″ | 21 | 78 | 36% |
| 13″ | 22 | 85 | 39% |
| 14″ | 24 | 91 | 42% |
| 15″ | 26 | 98 | 45% |
| 16″ | 28 | 104 | 48% |
| 17″ | 29 | 111 | 51% |
| 18″ | 31 | 117 | 54% |
| 19″ | 33 | 124 | 57% |
| 20″ | 34 | 130 | 60% |
| 21″ | 36 | 137 | 63% |
| 22″ | 38 | 143 | 66% |
| 23″ | 40 | 150 | 69% |
| 24″ | 41 | 156 | 72% |
| 25″ | 43 | 163 | 75% |
| 26″ | 45 | 169 | 78% |
| 27″ | 46 | 176 | 81% |
| 28″ | 48 | 182 | 84% |
| 29″ | 50 | 189 | 87% |
| 30″ | 52 | 195 | 90% |
| 31″ | 53 | 202 | 92% |
| 32″ | 55 | 208 | 96% |
| 33″ | 57 | 215 | 98% |
| 33.5″ | 58 | 218 | 100% |
How to measure this container
Measure liquid depth from the inside bottom, straight up to the surface, with a clean rule or stick held vertical. For IBC totes, the molded gallon/liter markings on the bottle are more accurate near the corners than any rectangular model — use the chart for in-between readings and the markings as your anchor points.
About this chart
Source geometry: DOT 17E / industry standard 22.5 in ID x 33.5 in interior height.. Values are computed with exact partial-fill formulas (see methodology) — a circular/obround segment for the shell.
FAQ
How many gallons are in my 55 gallon drum at half depth?
About 29 gallons. Use the stick reader above for any depth.
Where do I measure from?
From the inside bottom of the tank, straight up to the wet line on your stick. Keep the stick vertical.
Why does my manufacturer chart differ by a gallon or two?
Manufacturer charts account for that tank's exact head shape and fittings; this chart is exact for the stated geometry. Differences are typically 1–3%. A standard tight-head drum actually holds ~57.7 gal brim-full; 55 gal is the rated working capacity.