Cylinder Volume Calculator
Calculate volume, surface area, and other properties of a cylinder.
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
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Request a ToolHow to Use the Cylinder Volume Calculator
This calculator finds the volume and related properties of a cylinder from its radius and height.
- Enter the radius. Type the radius of the circular base of the cylinder.
- Enter the height. Type the height (or length) of the cylinder.
- Read the results. The volume is the primary result. Below it, you will find the total surface area, lateral (side) surface area, and base area.
The volume formula is V = pi * r^2 * h. The surface area is the sum of the lateral area (2 * pi * r * h) and two base circles (2 * pi * r^2). Results update live as you change the inputs.
About Cylinder Calculations
A cylinder is a 3D shape with two parallel circular bases connected by a curved surface. The volume equals the base area times the height, which gives V = pi * r^2 * h. Cylinders are among the most common shapes in engineering and everyday life: cans, pipes, tanks, columns, and hydraulic pistons are all cylindrical. The lateral surface area (the side, excluding the top and bottom) equals 2 * pi * r * h, which is the area of a rectangle with width equal to the circumference and height equal to the cylinder's height. This is useful for calculating material needed to wrap or coat just the side of a cylindrical object.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the formula for cylinder volume?
The volume of a cylinder is V = pi * r^2 * h, where r is the radius of the base and h is the height. For a cylinder with radius 5 and height 10, the volume is pi * 25 * 10 = approximately 785.3982 cubic units.
How do I convert cylinder volume to liters?
If your radius and height are in centimeters, the volume is in cubic centimeters. Divide by 1,000 to convert to liters (1 liter = 1,000 cm^3). If measurements are in inches, multiply cubic inches by 0.016387 to get liters.
What is the difference between lateral area and total surface area?
Lateral area is the curved side surface only: 2*pi*r*h. Total surface area adds the two circular bases: 2*pi*r*h + 2*pi*r^2. Use lateral area for wrapping the side of a can; use total surface area for complete coverage.