Estimate stored tonnage for rectangular cellars and quonset buildings based on dimensions and pile height.
Calculate hundredweight (CWT) and ton capacity for potato storage facilities — enclosed cellars, quonset buildings, and outdoor storage piles. Enter your structure dimensions to get storage capacity in CWT and metric tons. Built for Columbia Basin potato growers but applicable to any potato storage operation worldwide. Results show capacity at standard potato bulk density with metric unit support.
Calculate pile height from tonnage, or tonnage from pile height — for quonset or rectangular cellars.
Fill in the fields and press Calculate to see your results.
Potato storage capacity depends on three variables: the floor area of your structure, the pile height you're running, and the bulk density of your potatoes. Standard bulk density for fresh-packed Russet Burbank runs 44–48 lbs per cubic foot, or about 42–46 CWT per 1,000 cubic feet of pile volume.
This calculator handles rectangular cellars, quonset buildings, and open pile storage using a consistent density factor. Adjust the density slider if your variety or condition differs from standard. Results in CWT, short tons, and metric tonnes.
For bruise risk assessment before filling your cellar, see the Potato Bruise Risk Calculator.
CWT stands for hundredweight — a unit equal to 100 pounds (45.4 kg). Potatoes are traditionally bought, sold, and stored by the hundredweight rather than by the bushel. A typical potato cellar or storage facility holds potatoes in bulk, and capacity is calculated by the volume of the space multiplied by the bulk density of potatoes (approximately 42–44 lb per cubic foot, or about 42–44 CWT per 100 cubic feet). Storage facilities include enclosed cellars, quonset huts, and open outdoor piles.
Fresh market and processing potatoes are typically held at 38–42°F (3–6°C) for long-term storage. To assess bruise risk before filling your cellar, see the Potato Bruise Risk Calculator. (3–6°C) for long-term storage. Seed potatoes store well at 36–40°F. Temperatures below 36°F risk chilling injury; above 45°F accelerates sprouting and weight loss. Columbia Basin growers typically target 38–40°F for Russet Burbank processing potatoes.
Potatoes lose 3–8% of their weight over a typical 6–8 month storage season primarily through moisture loss (shrink). A well-managed modern storage holding 10,000 cwt in October may weigh 9,300–9,700 cwt by April. Shrink accelerates with higher temperatures, low humidity, or poor airflow.