Pyramid Volume Calculator
Calculate the volume and surface area of a pyramid from its base dimensions and height.
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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Enter the base length, optional base width (for a rectangular base), and the height. The calculator computes volume, surface area, base area, and lateral area.
- Enter base length. This is required.
- Enter base width (optional). Leave blank for a square-based pyramid. Enter a different value for a rectangular base.
- Enter height. The perpendicular height from the base to the apex.
Volume = (1/3) * base area * height. The surface area includes the base plus all lateral faces.
About Pyramids
A pyramid is a 3D shape with a polygonal base and triangular faces that meet at a single apex point. The most familiar example is the square pyramid (like the Egyptian pyramids). The volume formula V = (1/3) * B * h applies to all pyramids regardless of base shape. Pyramids appear in architecture, packaging design, and crystallography.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the volume of a pyramid?
V = (1/3) * base area * height. For a square pyramid with base side s and height h, V = (1/3) * s^2 * h.
How do you find the surface area of a pyramid?
Total surface area = base area + lateral area. The lateral area is the sum of the areas of all triangular faces, each calculated using the slant height.
What is the difference between height and slant height?
Height is the perpendicular distance from the base to the apex. Slant height is the distance from the apex to the midpoint of a base edge, measured along a face. They are related by the Pythagorean theorem.