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Rain Gauge Volume and Water-Equivalent Depth

Convert collected liquid volume to rain depth, or depth to collector volume, using the measured horizontal opening area and water-equivalent units.

Use this result well

Inputs that matter
Collected liquid volume (mL), Collector opening area (cm²), Sources and assumptions, Liquid-equivalent depth (mm)
Output to expect
Rain depth from collected volume, Collector volume for a rain depth
  • Check the units and required inputs before comparing results.
  • Keep the assumptions with a copied result so you can reproduce the calculation later.
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Reference & details

How it works

Rain depth from collected volume

Convert collected liquid volume into equivalent rain depth using the actual horizontal collector opening area. Zero collected water is valid; collection efficiency, evaporation and wind undercatch are separate measurement issues.

Depth (mm) = 10 × volume (mL) / opening area (cm²).

Collector volume for a rain depth

Calculate liquid volume corresponding to a selected rain depth and measured collector area. Use this to plan a documented volume check without declaring a gauge calibrated from geometry alone.

Volume (mL) = depth (mm) × opening area (cm²) / 10.

Updated: September 2026

Example Scenarios

Inspect the example and its input basis, then substitute your own documented measurements or matched cases.

Collected liquid volume (mL): 25Collector opening area (cm²): 100

→ 2.5 mm liquid-equivalent depth

Inspect the example and its input basis, then substitute your own documented measurements or matched cases.

Liquid-equivalent depth (mm): 2.5Collector opening area (cm²): 100

→ 25 mL corresponding volume

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mixing observation and model inputs

Use the exact units, timestamp, level and measurement or model basis stated by the selected mode. A similar quantity from another instrument or product is not automatically interchangeable.

Treating an illustrative case as a measurement

Replace the example with your own sourced inputs. Retain missing values and method limits, and keep raw source data alongside a saved calculation.

FAQ

Convert collected liquid volume into equivalent rain depth using the actual horizontal collector opening area. Zero collected water is valid; collection efficiency, evaporation and wind undercatch are separate measurement issues. Calculate liquid volume corresponding to a selected rain depth and measured collector area. Use this to plan a documented volume check without declaring a gauge calibrated from geometry alone.

Retain the station or profile identity, observation or issue/valid time, measurement units, quality flags, source and stated method. Missing values, trace precipitation and known zeros have different meanings.

Save weather case keeps an explicit local record. Copy MD includes current inputs and notes; Download CSV includes the current result breakdown. Keep portable copies separately and retain raw source data.

About Rain Gauge Volume and Water-Equivalent Depth

Convert collected liquid volume into equivalent rain depth using the actual horizontal collector opening area. Zero collected water is valid; collection efficiency, evaporation and wind undercatch are separate measurement issues. Calculate liquid volume corresponding to a selected rain depth and measured collector area. Use this to plan a documented volume check without declaring a gauge calibrated from geometry alone.