Bladder Volume Calculator

Estimates bladder volume based on ultrasound shape, length, width and height measurements.

Refer to the text below the tool for more information about ways to estimate bladder volume from ultrasound findings.


Estimating bladder volume via ultrasound findings can provide useful diagnostic information in a variety of conditions and to evaluate urinary bladder function.


  • Bladder Volume = Dimension 1 (Length) x Dimension 2 (Width) x Dimension 3 (Height) x Coefficient

Where the coefficient varies with bladder shape:

Bladder Shape Coefficient
Ellipsoid 0.81
Cuboid 0.89
Triangular prism 0.66
Prolate ellipsoid 0.52
Unknown 0.72
  • Bladder Volume = exp(C1 + C2 x ln(A1) + C3 x ln(A2))

Where:

  • C1 = 0.8304
  • C2 = 0.5625
  • C3 = 0.7211

Bladder Shape
Dimension 1 (Length)
Dimension 2 (Width)
Dimension 3 (Height)
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Maximal longitudinal cross-section
Maximal transverse cross-section
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Steps on how to print your input & results:

1. Fill in the calculator/tool with your values and/or your answer choices and press Calculate.

2. Then you can click on the Print button to open a PDF in a separate window with the inputs and results. You can further save the PDF or print it.

Please note that once you have closed the PDF you need to click on the Calculate button before you try opening it again, otherwise the input and/or results may not appear in the pdf.


 

Evaluating bladder volume

Estimating bladder volume via ultrasound findings can provide useful diagnostic information in a variety of conditions affecting the lower urinary tract and to evaluate urinary bladder function.

For example, age related changes in the lower urinary tract may include decreased urinary volume and compliance. Investigation of bladder volume may be required in assessing causes of decreased urinary output.

In order to find the three dimensions of the bladder longitudinal (length), maximal transverse (width) and anterior-posterior (height), an ultrasound investigation will be required.

Ultrasounds may be performed:

  • Transabdominal – using an external probe on the abdomen;
  • Transvaginal – using an intra-vaginal probe;
  • Transrectal – using an intra-rectal probe.

According to Liu-Ing et al. bladder volume can be computed as product of:

  • Bladder Volume = Dimension 1 (Length) x Dimension 2 (Width) x Dimension 3 (Height) x Coefficient

Where the coefficient varies with bladder shape:

Bladder Shape Coefficient
Ellipsoid 0.81
Cuboid 0.89
Triangular prism 0.66
Prolate ellipsoid 0.52
Unknown 0.72

To the estimated bladder volume, a mean error of 12.7% is applied, according to the original study. This has been decreased from 16.9%, given the use of shape-specific coefficients in the product of the three dimensions.

Rageth and Langer proposed another method, usually employed in research:

  • Bladder Volume = exp(C1 + C2 x ln(A1)+ C3 x ln(A2))

Where:

  • A1 = maximal longitudinal cross-section
  • A2 = maximal transverse cross-section
  • C1 = 0.8304
  • C2 = 0.5625
  • C3 = 0.7211
 

References

Liu-Ing,B. et al. Bladder Shape Impact on the Accuracy of Ultrasonic Estimation of Bladder Volume'. Arch Phys Med Rehabil Vol79, 1998; pp1553-1556.

Rageth JC, Langer K. Ultrasonic assessment of residual urine volume. Urol Res. 1982; 10(2):57-60.

McLean GK, Edell SL. Determination of bladder volumes by gray scale ultrasonography. Radiology. 1978; 128(1):181-182.

Hartnell GG, Kiely EA, Williams G, Gibson RN. Real-time ultrasound measurement of bladder volume: a comparative study of three methods. Br J Radiol. 1987; 60(719):1063-1065.


Specialty: Urology

System: Urinary

No. Of Items: 4 / 2

Year Of Study: 1998 / 1982

Article By: Denise Nedea

Published On: June 26, 2020 · 12:00 AM

Last Checked: June 26, 2020

Next Review: June 26, 2025