Cylinder Volume Calculator
Calculate the volume and surface area of a cylinder from its radius and height.
Enter the radius (or diameter) of the base and the height of the cylinder to calculate its volume and surface area.
Volume:
Total Surface Area:
Lateral Surface Area:
Base Area:
Cylinder Volume & Surface Area Formulas
A right circular cylinder is defined by the radius (r) of its circular base and its height (h). With these two values you can compute its volume and surface areas.
- Volume: V = π × r² × h
- Base area: A = π × r²
- Lateral surface area: 2 × π × r × h
- Total surface area: 2 × π × r² + 2 × π × r × h
Tip: The total surface area is simply the area of the two circular ends plus the curved (lateral) surface that wraps around the side.
Radius vs. Diameter
The radius is the distance from the center of the circular base to its edge. The diameter is the distance straight across the circle through the center, so it is exactly twice the radius.
- Diameter = 2 × radius
- Radius = diameter ÷ 2
Use the toggle above to enter whichever measurement you have on hand; the calculator converts the diameter to a radius automatically.
Real-World Examples
Cylinder volume and surface area calculations appear everywhere in everyday life and engineering:
- Tanks: Finding how much water, fuel, or grain a cylindrical storage tank can hold.
- Pipes: Determining the volume of fluid carried by a pipe or the material needed to coat its surface.
- Cans & containers: Calculating the capacity of cans, bottles, and drums or the amount of label material required.
Related Calculators
Note: This calculator provides geometric calculations for cylinders based on the formulas described. Results are accurate to two decimal places. While we strive for accuracy, please verify important calculations independently. This tool is for educational and informational purposes and should not be the sole basis for engineering, academic, or professional decisions.