How do I find a cylinder's volume?
Multiply the circular base area (pi r squared) by the height. A radius of 3 and height of 7 gives about 198 cubic units.
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Cylinder Volume Calculator
Find a cylinder's volume, total surface area and lateral (curved side) surface area from its radius and height.
volume = πr²h ; lateral = 2πrh ; total = 2πr(r+h)
Frequently asked questions
What is the lateral surface area?
The curved side only, equal to 2 pi r times height. Imagine unrolling the curved wall into a flat rectangle; that rectangle's area is the lateral surface.
What is the total surface area?
The curved side plus the two circular ends: 2 pi r times (r + h). Use lateral area when the ends are open, like a pipe, and total area when they are capped, like a can.
When do I use lateral versus total?
Lateral for labels around a tin or paint on a pipe's outside; total when you also cover the top and bottom, like wrapping a closed can.
Where is this useful?
Cans, pipes, tanks, silos, rollers, and anything tube-shaped where you need capacity or surface material.