OmniCalcsAdvertisement
Cylinder Calculator
Find the volume, lateral area and total surface area of a right circular cylinder.
Advertisement
How to Use This Cylinder Calculator
Enter a positive radius and height in the same unit. The calculator returns volume in cubic units and areas in square units.
- Radius — of the circular base.
- Height — the perpendicular distance between the two bases.
Practical Example
A can with radius 3 and height 5:
- Volume = π × 9 × 5 ≈ 141.372
- Lateral area = 2π × 3 × 5 ≈ 94.248
- Total surface = lateral + 2π × 9 ≈ 150.796
What Your Results Mean
- Volume — how much the cylinder holds, πr²h.
- Lateral area — the side wall only, as if you peeled off the label.
- Total surface area — the wall plus both circular lids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a right cylinder?
Yes. The formulas assume a right circular cylinder, with the side perpendicular to the bases.
What if I know the diameter instead?
Use radius = diameter ÷ 2. Diameter is twice the radius of the base.
Does doubling the height double the volume?
Yes, if the radius stays the same. Volume is linear in height and quadratic in radius.
When do I need total surface instead of lateral?
Use total area when both ends are closed (a can). Use lateral when only the side matters (a label or an open tube).
What units should I use?
Any, as long as radius and height match. A radius in centimeters and height in centimeters give volume in cm³.
Trusted Sources
Advertisement