On this page we provide a table to determine the required size of a septic

tank. Septic tank size requirements and how to calculate septic tank

capacity are explained. Septic Tank Capacity vs Usage in Daily Gallons of

Wastewater Flow & How to Calculate the Size (in gallons) of a Septic Tank are

reflected in the table. This chapter summarizes guidelines on the required septic

tank size based on anticipated level of daily gallons of sewage wastewater flow.

The typical residential septic tank size required for a given average daily sewage

wastewater flow in gallons is provided in a table of septic tank sizes. This chapter

also explains how to calculate septic tank volume based on septic tank inside

dimensions measured in feet, and we discuss the sizing, installation, and

functions of septic tank tees to prevent septic system clogging.

Links to related septic system testing and design information are given. Use of

this information at other websites, in books or pamphlets for sale is reserved to

the author. Technical review by industry experts has been performed and is

ongoing - reviewers are listed at "References." Comments and suggestions for

content are welcome. This document is a chapter of Inspecting, Testing, &

Maintaining Residential Septic Systems. Also see The Septic Information

Website © Copyright 2009 Daniel Friedman, All Rights Reserved. Information

Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use links at the left of each page to

navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links

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SEPTIC TANK SIZE TABLE - Table of Required Septic Tank Size Based on

Daily Water Usage

How big does our septic tank need to be?

Table of Required Septic Tank Size for Daily

Water Usage Volume in Gallons

Average Sewage
Minimum Septic Tank Size
Wastewater
in Gallons of Effective
Flow - Gallons
Capacity Needed (1)
Per Day

0-500 900

601-700 1200

801-900 1500

1001-1240 1900

2001-2500 3200

4501-5000 5800

Notes to Table:

 (1) Source: Florida ASHI Seminar, Kissimmee, October 1993, included

sheet from Environmental Health Services, March 17, 1992.

 Some intermediate table entries were eliminated but can be recalculated

by interpolation

 In most U.S. jurisdictions we surveyed, the minimum permitted tank size

for new septic installations is 1000 gallons. Special site considerations

 may require design by a septic-engineer before local health departments

can approve an installation.

 WATER USAGE TABLE provides companion data if you don't already

know your daily wastewater volume

SEPTIC TANK SIZE TABLE - Table of Required Septic Tank Size Based on

Number of Bedrooms in a Home

How big does our septic tank need to be based on the number of bedrooms in

the home? Some jurisdictions use the number of bedrooms rather than number

of occupants or estimated daily wastewater flow to guide homeowners and septic

installers in choosing a septic tank size. For example, New Mexico uses this

standard. Other experts estimate that occupants use between 50 and 100

gallons of water per person per day in a home in the U.S. We can use that

guesstimate to compare different septic tank size guidelines. Also see WATER

USAGE TABLE .

Septic Tank in Gallons Size Based on Number

of Bedrooms

0-2 bedrooms 750 gal. (2)

3 bedrooms 1000 gal.

4 bedrooms 1200 gal.

5-6 bedrooms 1500 gal.

Notes to the septic tank table:

2. 750 gallons is smaller than the minimum 1000g size required for new

construction in some jurisdictions.

COMPUTING SEPTIC TANK CAPACITY - How to Compute Septic Tank Size

and Capacity in Gallons

How do we compute the volume in gallons that a septic tank provides based on

simple measurements we can make?

Septic Tanks are usually about 4.5 feet wide x 8.0 feet long x 6 feet tall. Tanks

are typically buried 4 inches to 4 feet deep depending on local site conditions,

shape, slope, and other factors.

Here is the basic math for computing septic tank capacity (volume) in gallons.

Measurements are in feet, taken of inside dimensions of the septic tank.

Calculating Septic Tank Capacity in Gallons

3.14 x radius squared x depth (all in

Round Septic
feet) = cubic capacity. Cubic capacity x
Tanks
7.5 = gallons capacity.

Rectangular Length x Width x Depth in feet x 7.5 =

Septic Tanks gallons

Rectangular Length x width in inches / 231 = gallons

Septic Tanks per inch of septic tank depth. Multiply

(alternative this number by septic tank depth in

method 1) inches to get gallons

Rectangular

Septic Tanks Length x Width x Depth in feet / .1337

(alternative = gallons

method 2)

COMPUTING EXAMPLE - An Example of Computing Septic Tank Size,

Capacity or Volume in Gallons

One gallon of water has a volume of .1337 cubic feet. For a rectangular septic

tank, multiply depth (or inside "height") in feet times width times length. Divide

this figure by .1337 to establish the number of gallons in the septic tank.

Example 1: how many gallons is held in a a 4ft. deep x 5ft. wide x 8 ft. long

septic tank? If the tank dimensions were 4ft. x 5ft. x 8ft. = 160 cubic feet. Using

the conversion factor to convert cubic feet to gallons, 160 / .1337 = 1196 - or

about a 1200-gallon tank.

One cubic foot of volume can contain 7.481 gallons of liquid. So a second

approach to calculating septic tank actual size or capacity in gallons is to multiply

the septic tank volume in cubic feet by this constant, which we round up to 7.5

gallons/cubic foot.

Example 2: how many cubic feet and how many gallons are held in a septic tank

of typical dimensions of 4.5 ft. wide x 8.0 ft. long x 6 ft. high. (4.5 x 8 x 6) = 216
cubic feet. Since one cubic foot can contain 7.481 gallons, which we round up to

7.5 gallons per cubic foot: 216 x 7.5 = 1620 gallons of septic tank capacity - this

is probably nominally a "1500-gallon septic tank".

Note that if the dimensions given by your septic contractor are the external

dimensions of the tank rather than the internal dimensions then the volume given

by this calculation will come up with a septic tank size estimate that is higher than

the actual tank capacity - the error is due to failure to allow for the thickness of

the septic tank walls. So for fitting a septic tank into a tight spot, the outer

dimensions of the septic tank are important. But for accurate calculation of the

capacity of a septic tank you need to use the septic tank internal dimensions.

Also see the basic septic system design information links at SEPTIC SYSTEM

DESIGN BASICS: Choosing Septic Tank Size, Absorption System Size - basic

septic system volume and absorption system design guides.