Bucket elevator capacity calculator

Enter the bucket size, how far apart the buckets sit and the belt speed. The calculator gives the throughput.

Capacity: – t/h
Volume flow: – m³/h
Buckets per second: – 1/s
Buckets per metre: – 1/m

How bucket elevator capacity is calculated

A bucket elevator lifts a series of buckets on a belt or chain. Its capacity is the material in each bucket times the number of buckets that pass the discharge per second:

Q = V_bucket · φ · (v ÷ a) · 3,600

V_bucket: bucket volume in m³ (litres ÷ 1,000)
φ: bucket fill factor
v: belt or chain speed in m/s
a: bucket spacing in metres

Worked example

Buckets of 2.5 litres sit 300 mm apart on a belt running at 1.5 m/s. Five buckets pass per second. At 75 % fill the elevator lifts 33.8 m³/h, which is 25.3 t/h of wheat at 0.75 t/m³.

Discharge types and speeds

Type	Speed	Suitable for
Centrifugal discharge	1.5 – 4 m/s	Free-flowing grain, seeds, fine minerals
Continuous discharge	0.5 – 1.2 m/s	Fragile, abrasive or lumpy material
Positive discharge	0.3 – 0.8 m/s	Sticky material

From throughput to power

The power to lift the material is roughly P = Q_t/h × H ÷ 367 kW, with lift height H in metres. Boot scooping and friction add 10 to 30 % on top, and the drive needs a further margin for start-up with a full leg.

Questions and answers

How do I calculate bucket elevator capacity?

Multiply the bucket volume by the fill factor and by the number of buckets passing per second (belt speed ÷ spacing). Multiply by 3,600 for m³/h and by bulk density for t/h.

What belt speed is typical?

Centrifugal discharge elevators for grain run at 2 to 4 m/s. Continuous discharge elevators for fragile or abrasive material run slower, around 0.5 to 1.2 m/s.

Which bucket volume do I use?

Manufacturers usually state the water-level volume, measured with the bucket upright. Use that value together with a realistic fill factor.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-14. Results are estimates for planning. Check them before you rely on them for design, purchase or safety decisions.