Pool Volume Formulas
Use these formulas to manually calculate your pool volume:
| Pool Shape | Formula |
|---|---|
| Rectangle | Length × Width × Avg Depth × 7.48 |
| Circle | Diameter × Diameter × Avg Depth × 5.9 |
| Oval | Length × Width × Avg Depth × 5.9 |
| Kidney | Length × Avg Width × Avg Depth × 7.48 × 0.85 |
Note: Results are in gallons. One cubic foot = 7.48 gallons.
Common Pool Sizes
Inground Pools
| Size (ft) | Avg Depth | Gallons |
|---|---|---|
| 12 × 24 | 5 ft | 10,800 |
| 15 × 30 | 5.5 ft | 18,500 |
| 16 × 32 | 5.5 ft | 21,000 |
| 18 × 36 | 6 ft | 29,000 |
| 20 × 40 | 6 ft | 36,000 |
Above Ground Pools
| Size | Depth | Gallons |
|---|---|---|
| 15 ft round | 48 in | 4,978 |
| 18 ft round | 52 in | 7,646 |
| 24 ft round | 52 in | 13,594 |
| 12 × 24 oval | 52 in | 6,797 |
| 15 × 30 oval | 52 in | 10,620 |
Why Pool Volume Matters
- Chemical dosing - All pool chemicals are dosed based on gallons
- Equipment sizing - Pumps, filters, and heaters need to match your pool size
- Fill time - Know how long it takes to fill or top off your pool
- Water costs - Estimate your water bill for filling

Getting a Measurement You Can Trust
The question I hear most is simply "how many gallons is my pool?" and the honest answer is that it lives or dies on your average depth. I've watched people measure length and width perfectly, then guess the depth and end up 3,000 gallons off. Walk the shallow end and the deep end with a tape or a marked pole, average the two, and this pool gallon calculator will hand you a number you can actually build your chemistry around.
If you've inherited a pool and have no idea of its size, this doubles as a quick pool size calculator. Measure the water surface, estimate the depths, and you'll have a working figure in under five minutes. I always jot that number somewhere I can find it, because I reach for it constantly when I'm dosing chemicals.
For anything irregular, treat the pool water calculator as a strong estimate rather than a survey. Break a wild freeform shape into a rectangle plus a rough oval, run each through the tool, and sum them. It's close enough for chemistry and equipment sizing, which is what the number is really for.