What is the formula for the volume of a pyramid?

The volume of any pyramid is V = (1/3) × base_area × height, where base_area is the area of the polygonal base and height is the perpendicular distance from the base to the apex.

Does the formula work for all pyramid types?

Yes. V = (1/3) × base_area × height is universal for all pyramids regardless of the base shape — square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, or any polygon — as long as the height is the true perpendicular height.

What is the perpendicular height vs. slant height?

The perpendicular height (h) is the straight vertical distance from the base to the apex. The slant height is the distance along a triangular face from the base edge midpoint to the apex. This calculator uses the perpendicular height.

How is a triangular base pyramid different from a tetrahedron?

A triangular pyramid has a triangle as its base and three other triangular faces — this is also called a tetrahedron when all four faces are equilateral triangles. This calculator handles the general case where you specify the base triangle dimensions and the perpendicular height separately.

How many decimal places are shown?

Results are displayed to 4 significant decimal places. Trailing zeros are stripped for readability, but the underlying calculation uses full floating-point precision.

Volume of a Pyramid Calculator

Name: Volume of a Pyramid Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter the base dimensions and height to instantly compute the volume of a square, rectangular, or triangular pyramid using V = (1/3) × base area × height.

Pyramid Dimensions

Unit

Base Shape

Side Length (a)

Pyramid Height (h)

Formula Reference

Volume V = (1/3) · A · h

Square base A = a²

Rectangle base A = l × w

Triangle base A = ½ · b · t

Select a base shape, enter dimensions, then click Calculate Volume.

Pyramid Diagram

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Summary

Enter the base dimensions and height to instantly compute the volume of a square, rectangular, or triangular pyramid using V = (1/3) × base area × height.

How it works

Select the base shape: square, rectangular, or triangular.
Enter the base dimensions (side length, length/width, or base/height of triangle).
Enter the perpendicular height of the pyramid.
Select your preferred unit (cm, m, in, or ft).
Click Calculate Volume to see the result along with the base area.

Use cases

Calculate material volume for architectural pyramid structures.
Solve geometry homework involving square or triangular pyramids.
Estimate fill volume for pyramid-shaped containers or molds.
Determine stone or concrete volume for monument construction.
Verify 3D model dimensions during product or game design.
Compute volume ratios between related pyramid shapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-13 · Reviewed by Nham Vu