Calculate tank volume with a formula
Copy a cylinder formula into the project and use it for value output. A 0.5-metre level gives approximately 392.7 litres.
1. Define geometry and units
Use an ideal upright circular cylinder with constant cross-section, inside diameter d=1 metre and level x=0.5 metre. The formula is pi * pow(d / 2, 2) * x * 1000. Area times level gives cubic metres; 1000 converts to litres. Result: 392.699… L. The drawing is not a geometry model: domed or conical bottoms are excluded. Total tank height is not a parameter. A 0.5 m level is 50% only if usable height is 1 m.
2. Select and test the global formula
Open value output properties → Convert PLC value → Manage formulas. In Global collection select Stehender Zylinder – Volumen in Liter. Keep d=1, enter test x=0.5 (0,5 in the screenshot) and Test formula. Expected result is 392.699082. Do not change the global formula or defaults for this exercise.
3. Copy into the project
Click Copy to project (Ins Projekt übernehmen). The independent project copy can be used by several objects and is saved with the project. Later global-template changes do not update it automatically. The library test value is separate from the output’s preview. Close the library.
4. Assign the project formula
Under Calculation choose the copied cylinder formula. Set parameters d=1, unit L, one decimal, DEC and preview x=0.5. Preview should read 392.7 L. The formula receives x directly: disabled linear minimum/maximum fields do not pre-scale it. Convert real percentages, currents or raw sensor values to metres appropriately before using this formula. The unit label does not perform conversion; the factor 1000 does. Parameters may be adjusted per object.
5. Apply and save
Apply conversion and properties, inspect the tank display and save Ctrl+S. The bar still has its own 50% preview and the input its own 60 value. Proximity creates no shared source or controller. Later live use must align signal scaling, geometry and units.
6. Common questions
If missing from Calculation, first copy the global formula into the project. Check metres for both x and d; d is diameter, not radius, and 50% is not 50 m. A horizontal cylinder needs its separate formula. This result is a preview calculation, not a real measurement.
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