Septic Tank Capacity Tool

Determine minimum septic tank size for your home

Project Details
Enter your measurements and requirements
Results
Calculated estimates for your project
Minimum Tank Size (Code)1000 gallons
Recommended Tank Size1250 gallons
Daily Flow300 gallons/day
Drainfield Size Needed450-900 sq ft
Pumping Frequency3-5 years
NotesIncludes 250 gal for disposal

Additional Information

About This Calculator

Our septic tank capacity calculator helps determine the minimum tank size required for your home based on number of bedrooms, occupants, and water usage. An undersized tank leads to frequent pumping, system failure, and potential health hazards from untreated sewage.

The calculator follows building code requirements (IRC/IPC) that specify minimum tank sizes based on bedroom count, then adjusts for actual household water usage. It also accounts for garbage disposals, which significantly increase solid waste and require larger tanks.

This tool is essential for homeowners installing new septic systems, replacing failed tanks, or adding bedrooms to their home. If you're asking "what size septic tank do I need?" or "how big is my drainfield?", this calculator provides code-compliant guidance for your project planning.

How to Use This Calculator

Follow these steps to size your septic system:

  1. Enter the number of bedrooms (codes use this for minimum sizing)
  2. Enter actual number of occupants for flow calculations
  3. Enter daily water usage per person (average is 75 gallons)
  4. Indicate whether you have a garbage disposal
  5. Review recommended tank size and drainfield requirements
Frequently Asked Questions

Free Septic Tank Calculator - Capacity Sizing Tool | DIYProject.ai