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Water storage calculator

Enter your household and the number of days you want to cover. We will show exactly how many gallons to store, with a breakdown you can act on.

Your household

Quick set:

Based on the planning standard of one gallon per person per day. Pet figures are rough planning estimates, so confirm with your vet. For the full reasoning, see how much water to store.

How this calculator works

It multiplies the number of people by one gallon per day, adds a rough allowance for pets, applies your chosen number of days, and adds a buffer if you select hot climate or high activity. The result is a planning target, not a hard limit, so round up if you have the space. Water is the one supply you cannot easily improvise once the tap stops.

Frequently asked questions

How much water should I store per person?

One gallon per person per day is the standard planning figure, covering drinking plus basic cooking and hygiene. This calculator uses that baseline and lets you add days, pets, and a hot-climate buffer.

How many days of water should I plan for?

Use at least three days for evacuation and two weeks for sheltering at home. The quick-set buttons cover three days, two weeks, and one month.

Does the calculator account for pets?

Yes, roughly. It estimates about 0.4 gallons per day for a dog and 0.08 for a cat as planning figures. Confirm your pet's actual needs with your veterinarian.