Cylinder Volume Calculator
Find the volume, surface area, and liquid capacity of any cylindrical object, from water tanks to PVC pipes.
Enter radius and height to
calculate volume
Understanding Cylinders
A cylinder is a three-dimensional geometric shape with two parallel circular bases connected by a curved surface.
The Math
To find the volume, you calculate the area of the circular base (πr²) and then multiply it by how "stacked" or tall that circle is (height).
Practical Uses
Cylinder calculations are mostly used in plumbing (pipes), industrial storage (silos, fuel tanks), and landscaping (above-ground pools).
Surface Area
Surface area is crucial when calculating how much paint, insulation, or wrapping material is needed to cover the outside of a cylinder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the formula for the volume of a cylinder?
The volume formula is V = π × r² × h, where "r" is the radius of the circular base, "h" is the height of the cylinder, and π (Pi) is approximately 3.14159.
What is the difference between radius and diameter?
The diameter is the width of the circle straight across the center. The radius is the distance from the center to the edge. The radius is exactly half of the diameter (r = d / 2).
How do I calculate the capacity of a round tank or pool?
To find capacity, you first calculate the volume of the cylindrical shape in cubic feet or cubic inches. Because 1 cubic foot holds exactly 7.48 US gallons of liquid, you simply multiply your cubic foot volume by 7.48. This calculator does that math automatically for you.
What is Lateral vs. Total Surface Area?
The "Lateral" surface area only measures the side/wall of the cylinder (like the label on a soup can). The "Total" surface area includes the side wall plus the top and bottom circles.
Can I use this for pipes?
Yes! A pipe is just a very long, narrow cylinder. By entering the inner diameter of the pipe and its total length (height), you can calculate exactly how much water or gas the pipe holds.
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