What is the formula for the volume of a cylinder?

The volume of a cylinder is V = πr²h, where 'r' is the radius of the circular base and 'h' is the height. Essentially, you're multiplying the area of the circular base (πr²) by the height to get the 3D volume.

How do I calculate the surface area of a cylinder?

Total surface area = 2πr² + 2πrh. This consists of two circular bases (2πr²) plus the lateral (curved) surface area (2πrh). The lateral surface, when 'unrolled', forms a rectangle with width = circumference (2πr) and height = h.

What is the lateral surface area of a cylinder?

The lateral (curved) surface area is the area of the 'side' of the cylinder, excluding the two circular bases. It equals 2πrh, or πdh where d is the diameter. Imagine wrapping a label around a can - that's the lateral surface.

How do I find the radius if I know the volume and height?

Rearrange the volume formula: r = √(V / (πh)). For example, if V = 314 cm³ and h = 10 cm, then r = √(314 / (π×10)) = √(10) ≈ 3.16 cm.

What's the difference between a cylinder and a cone?

A cylinder has two identical circular bases connected by a curved surface, while a cone has one circular base tapering to a point (apex). A cone's volume is exactly 1/3 of a cylinder with the same base and height.

How do I calculate volume in liters?

1 liter = 1000 cm³. Calculate the volume in cm³ using the formula, then divide by 1000 for liters. For example, a cylinder with r=5cm and h=10cm has volume π×25×10 ≈ 785.4 cm³ ≈ 0.785 liters.

Cylinder Calculator

Calculate volume, surface area, and lateral area of a cylinder from its radius and height.

Unit of Measurement

Radius (r)

Distance from center to edge of the base

Height (h)

Distance between the two bases

3D Preview

Volume

0 cm³

V = πr²h = π × 5² × 10 = 0 cm³

Total Surface

2πr² + 2πrh

0 cm²

Lateral Area

2πrh

0 cm²

Base Area

πr² (each)

0 cm²

Radius

5 cm

Height

10 cm

Diameter

0 cm

Documentation

Understanding Cylinders

A cylinder is a 3D shape with two identical circular bases connected by a curved surface. Think of a can, a pipe, or a drum - all cylinders!

Volume

Surface Area

Lateral Area

Tip: The lateral surface of a cylinder, when unrolled, forms a rectangle with width = 2πr and height = h.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Use

About the Cylinder Calculator

What it calculates

This cylinder calculator solves mathematical and statistical problems using standard formulas. Calculate volume, surface area of a cylinder.

When to use it

Use for homework, data analysis, exam prep, or quick verification of manual calculations.

Example

Adjust the inputs above to model your specific scenario with the Cylinder Calculator.

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Cylinder Calculator

3D Preview

0 cm³

0 cm²

0 cm²

0 cm²

Understanding Cylinders

About the Cylinder Calculator

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