A quarter-cylinder (corner) aquarium puts two flat side panels at a right angle in the corner of a room, with a quarter-circle curve at the front. It makes use of the corner, and its volume is one quarter of a full cylinder with the same radius and height.
There is only one measurement for the base: the radius, which is the length of one side panel from the corner to its end. Both side panels are assumed to be equal.
How is the volume of a quarter cylinder aquarium calculated?
Gross volume (litres) = π × radius² × height ÷ 4 ÷ 1000. For the net water volume, the thickness of the two flat side panels and the curved front glass is subtracted from the inner quarter-circle area.
How to take the measurements
- Measure one of the two side panels from the corner to its end on the outside: this is the radius.
- Measure the other side panel and confirm it is the same length.
- Measure the height from the bottom to the top rim.
- Enter the glass thickness and the advanced settings.
Worked example
For a quarter cylinder aquarium with radius 60 cm, height 60 cm, the gross volume is 169.6 litres. With 0.8 cm glass, no substrate and 2 cm of headroom, the net water volume is 152.1 litres.
Example sizes and their volumes
| Radius (cm) | Height (cm) | Gross (L) | Net water (L) | Net water (US gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 50 | 62.8 | 54 | 14.3 |
| 50 | 60 | 117.8 | 104.3 | 27.5 |
| 60 | 60 | 169.6 | 152.1 | 40.2 |
| 70 | 70 | 269.4 | 245.3 | 64.8 |
Net water volume assumes 0.8 cm glass, 0 cm substrate and 2 cm headroom; results are approximate.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this if the two side panels have different lengths?
This calculator is for tanks with equal sides. If the sides differ, check the manufacturer's stated volume.
How many litres is a corner tank with a 60 cm radius and 60 cm height?
π × 60² × 60 ÷ 4 ÷ 1000 ≈ 169.6 litres gross.
What is the difference between a quarter-cylinder and a corner bow front tank?
A quarter-cylinder has a front that is exactly a quarter circle. A corner bow front tank has a shallower or deeper curve whose depth you enter separately — use the corner bow front calculator for that.