Abstract: In order to attain a higher accuracy in the selection of a coal storage facility, an analysis in made of the methods that are generally used currently in engineering design and on site for calculating the capacity of a coal storage facility, as well as the applicability of each method. Result of study shows that: for a coal storage facility with a simple geometric structure, its capacity should be preferably calculated by using formulaic method; for a coal storage facility of complex spatial structure and where the calculation requires a heavy workload and a high accuracy, the model method should be used; while for the determination of the capacity of a silo, the empirical formula should be appropriately used because of the availability of ample empirical data. In summary, the storage capacity of a coal storage facility, such as the enclosed storage yard, spherical bunker and silo should be determined by using the most applicable method.