Cylinder Volume Calculator
Calculate the volume of a cylinder by entering its radius and height. A cylinder is a 3D shape with straight parallel sides and circular cross-sections.
Formula:
Volume = π × r² × h
Where:
- π = Pi (approximately 3.14159)
- r = Radius of the base
- h = Height of the cylinder
Unit of Measurement:
cm
The radius of the cylinder base
cm
The height of the cylinder
Result
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About Cylinder Volume
A cylinder is a three-dimensional shape with straight parallel sides and circular cross-sections.
The volume of a cylinder is calculated by multiplying the area of the circular base (π × r²) by the height. This gives us the formula V = π × r² × h, where r is the radius of the base and h is the height of the cylinder.
For example, if the radius is 3 cm and the height is 5 cm, the volume would be π × 3² × 5 = π × 9 × 5 ≈ 141.4 cm³.
How to Calculate Cylinder Volume
Step 1: Measure the Radius
Measure the radius of the circular base of the cylinder. The radius is the distance from the center of the circle to any point on its edge. If you have the diameter (d) instead, remember that radius = diameter ÷ 2.
Step 2: Calculate the Base Area
The area of the circular base is calculated using the formula: Area = π × r². For example, if the radius is 3 cm, the area would be π × 3² = π × 9 ≈ 28.27 cm².
Step 3: Measure the Height
Measure the height of the cylinder, which is the perpendicular distance between the two circular bases.
Step 4: Multiply Base Area by Height
The volume of the cylinder is the base area multiplied by the height: Volume = Base Area × Height = π × r² × h. If the base area is 28.27 cm² and the height is 5 cm, the volume would be 28.27 × 5 = 141.35 cm³.
Practical Applications
Storage Containers
Calculating the volume of cylindrical storage tanks, silos, barrels, and drums to determine their capacity.
Construction
Determining concrete volume for cylindrical columns, pillars, and foundation elements.
Plumbing and Fluid Dynamics
Calculating the volume and capacity of pipes, tubes, and cylindrical reservoirs in water systems.
Cooking and Baking
Determining the volume of cylindrical cooking pots, pans, and baking tins for recipes.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- Diameter vs. Radius: Make sure you're using the radius in your calculations, not the diameter. Radius = Diameter ÷ 2.
- Square the Radius: Remember to square the radius (r²) in the formula, not the height.
- Unit Consistency: Ensure all measurements use the same unit before calculating. The volume will be in cubic units.
- Hollow Cylinders: For hollow cylinders (like pipes), you need to calculate the volume using the formula V = π × h × (R² - r²), where R is the outer radius and r is the inner radius.
Frequently Asked Questions
The diameter of a cylinder is the length of a straight line passing through the center of the circular base and touching two points on its edge. The radius is half the diameter, measuring from the center point to any point on the edge of the circle. When calculating cylinder volume, you must use the radius in the formula, not the diameter.
Tips
- Enter the dimensions in the same unit for consistency.
- Results update automatically as you type.
- Use the unit selector to convert between different measurement systems.
Need Help?
Check out our guide on how to use this calculator properly and understand the concepts behind it.
Learn how to calculate cylinder volume