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
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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.