Cylinder Volume Calculator – Guide & Formulas
Calculate the volume, lateral surface area, and total surface area of a cylinder with given radius/diameter and height.
Find the total capacity and surface area of a cylinder. Essential for industrial tank sizing, pipe flow capacities, and everyday can measurements.
Key Takeaway
Use the free Cylinder Volume Calculator to calculate the volume, lateral surface area, and total surface area of a cylinder with given radius/diameter and height. Get instant results with step-by-step explanations.
How to Use the Cylinder Volume Calculator
- Enter the radius or diameter of the cylinder's circular base.
- Enter the height (length) of the cylinder.
- Analyze the results for internal volume, lateral area, and total surface area.
The Formula
Variable Definitions
- V: Volume of the cylinder
- A: Total surface area
- r: Radius of the circular base
- h: Height of the cylinder
Water Capacity of a Storage Tank
A cylindrical water tank has a radius of 5 feet and a height of 10 feet. Calculate how much water it can hold.
- Step 1: Set radius r = 5 feet and height h = 10 feet.
- Step 2: Calculate the base area: π * r² = 25π ≈ 78.54 sq ft.
- Step 3: Multiply base area by height: 78.54 * 10 = 785.4 cubic feet.
- Step 4: The tank can hold approximately 785.4 cubic feet of water (about 5,875 gallons).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between lateral area and total surface area?
Lateral surface area is the area of the curved side walls only. Total surface area adds the areas of the two flat circular ends (top and bottom bases) to the lateral area.
How do I convert cylinder volume to gallons?
If your volume is in cubic feet, multiply by 7.48 to get gallons. If in cubic inches, divide by 231.
How does height affect cylinder volume?
The volume is directly proportional to the height. If you double the height while keeping the radius the same, the volume will exactly double.