Leveling your yard can help with drainage and prevent damage to your home. Learn the cost to level a yard and what factors can affect the price.
Pond Volume Calculator: How Big Is My Pond?
Our pond volume calculator makes math easy as 1-2-3
Photo: cjmckendry / E+ / Getty Images
Photo: cjmckendry / E+ / Getty Images
Highlights
Knowing how much water your pond can hold allows you to properly maintain it.
You can calculate pond volume by multiplying the pond's area by its depth.
The exact formula you use depends on whether you're measuring in gallons or liters.
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
You may be looking out at your yard and asking yourself, "How big is my pond?" When calculating the size of your pond, you first need to measure its area, then find the volume to determine how much water it can hold. The water volume of the pond will determine the amount of treatment product to use and how many fish can call it home.
How Much Water Is Needed for My Pond?
To find out how many gallons of water your pond needs, multiply its volume by 7.48, which is the number of gallons in a cubic foot. If you're using liters, multiply the volume by 1,000, the number of liters in a cubic meter.
| Pond Volume (Cubic Feet) | Water Needed (Gallons) | Pond Volume (Cubic Meters) | Water Needed (Liters) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 270 | 1 | 1,000 |
| 72 | 539 | 2 | 2,000 |
| 144 | 1,078 | 3 | 3,000 |
| 324 | 2,424 | 4 | 4,000 |
How to Calculate Pond Volume
You need three measurements to calculate the volume of your pond: its length, width, and depth.
Pond Volume = Length x Width x Depth
How to Measure Your Pond
For a pond that's rectangular or square in shape, you simply need to measure the length and width to find the square footage. From there, multiply the square footage by the pond's maximum depth to get the overall volume.
For circular or irregularly shaped ponds, you need to use a slightly different formula.
How to Measure a Circular Pond
To measure a circular pond, you'll need to find out the area of a circle. The formula for that is πr squared, or 3.14 times the circle's radius squared.
Measure the pond's diameter, then divide that by two to get the radius. For example, if your pond has a diameter of 8 feet, the radius is 4 feet. The total area is 3.14 x (4 squared), or 50.24 feet.
Multiply that by the maximum depth to get the volume of the pond.
How to Measure an Irregularly Shaped Pond
If your pond has an irregular shape, such as a kidney bean or oval shape, the best way to measure is by creating straight lines around the perimeter of the pond, then measuring the length and width of those lines.
Multiply the length and width to get an approximation of the pond's square footage. Then, multiply that by the maximum depth to get the volume of the pond.
Who to Hire to Create a Pond
Photo: suravikin / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Who should you hire to create a pond? Your best bet is to work with a local pond builder, who can help you determine the right size for your property, as well as the optimal shape for your needs.
If you're hoping to stock the pond with aquatic life, such as koi or other types of fish, a professional pond builder can also provide guidance on the best species to choose and how many fish to stock in the pond.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fish can call your pond home depends on the volume of the pond and the fish size. Your pond's filtration system also influences the number of fish that will thrive in a pond. A general rule of thumb is to have 1 inch of fish for every square foot in a pond that's 2 feet deep. Another rule of thumb you can follow is to have one koi fish for every 200 gallons of water or two goldfish for every 200 gallons.
The average pond maintenance cost is $2,000. But how much you pay to take care of your pond depends on multiple factors, such as the size of the pond and whether fish live in it. Your area's climate also affects the overall maintenance cost, as you may need to winterize your pond to protect it and any aquatic life in it during the colder months.
The homeowners guide to landscaping services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost to remove a boulder depends on the size, location, and equipment needed. Learn the average boulder removal cost and how to save money on removal.
How much does hardscaping cost project by project? Check out our breakdown for every price tag you need to know, from outdoor fireplaces to patios.
What is the name of someone who designs landscaping? A landscape architect creates stunning, functional outdoor spaces with expert design skills.
While similar, comparing dirt versus soil comes down to what's inside the material, its usefulness, and how it performs, depending on how you intend to use it.
Liven up dull concrete spaces by installing artificial turf. Learn how to install artificial grass on concrete in just a few hours.
- Landscapers
- Tree Surgeons
- Gardening Services
- Landscape Architects
- Sod Installation
- Tennis Court Contractors
- Landscape Design
- Retaining Wall Companies
- Grading Companies
- Landscape Rock & Sand Delivery
- Mulch Delivery Services
- Pond Companies
- Artificial Grass Companies
- Shrub Removal & Trimming
- Backyard Design Companies
- Commercial Landscaping
- Koi Pond Services
- Backyard Landscapers
- Trampoline Assembly
- Hedge Trimming
- Pond Services
- Garden Design
- Outdoor Plant Watering
- Putting Greens
- French Drains
- Turf Installation
- Sod Removal Services
- Lawn Repair Services
- Brush Chipping Services
- Hardscape Contractor
- Landscape Rock Removal