What is the formula for the volume of a cylinder?

The volume equals π × r² × h, where r is the base radius and h is the height. This is often written as V = πr²h.

What units does this calculator support?

You can choose millimeters (mm), centimeters (cm), meters (m), inches (in), or feet (ft). The volume result is displayed in the corresponding cubic unit.

How is the surface area calculated?

The total surface area of a closed cylinder is A = 2πr(r + h). This includes two circular ends (2πr²) plus the lateral (side) surface area (2πrh).

What if I only want the lateral surface area?

The lateral surface area (the curved side only, excluding the top and bottom circles) is 2πrh. This calculator shows both the lateral area and the total area separately.

How precise are the results?

Results use JavaScript's full floating-point precision and are displayed rounded to 4 decimal places. For engineering use, verify with the raw value you copy from the result.

Volume of a Cylinder Calculator

Enter a cylinder's radius and height to instantly calculate its volume and surface area.

Cylinder Dimensions

Unit

Radius (cm)

Height (cm)

Formulas

Volume V = π × r² × h

Total SA A = 2π × r × (r + h)

Lateral SA L = 2π × r × h

Results

Enter radius and height to see results.

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Summary

This calculator computes the volume and total surface area of a right circular cylinder from its radius and height. It applies the standard formulas V = πr²h for volume and A = 2πr(r + h) for total surface area. Results update instantly as you type and can be copied with one click.

How it works

Enter the radius of the cylinder base.
Enter the height of the cylinder.
Select your preferred unit (mm, cm, m, in, ft).
Volume and surface area results appear instantly.
Click any result value to copy it to your clipboard.

Use cases

Calculate how much liquid a cylindrical tank or can holds.
Determine material needed to wrap or paint a cylindrical surface.
Verify geometry homework answers for cylinder problems.
Estimate concrete volume for cylindrical columns or posts.
Engineering and manufacturing calculations for round stock.
Science experiments requiring precise volume measurements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-05-23 · Reviewed by Nham Vu