Cans, pipes, tanks and columns are cylinders.
How to use the Cylinder Volume Calculator
- Radius
- Height
- Want to work backwards? Type a value into Volume and Height is calculated for you.
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Multiply the area of the circular base by the height for volume.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Radius | Units: m, cm, mm, km, in, ft … |
| Height | Units: m, cm, mm, km, in, ft … |
What each result means
- Volume = pi×[Radius]^2×[Height]
- Lateral surface area = 2×pi×[Radius]×[Height]
- Total surface area = 2×pi×[Radius]×([Radius] + [Height])
Example values
How the main result changes when Height changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Height (m) | Volume (m³) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.7854 |
| 1.5 | 1.18 |
| 2 | 1.57 |
| 2.5 | 1.96 |
| 3 | 2.36 |
| 4 | 3.14 |
Formula
V = π r² hTotal surface = 2πr(r + h)Worked example
Inputs — Radius: 0.5 m; Height: 2 m.
Results — Volume = 1.57 m³; Lateral surface area = 6.28 m²; Total surface area = 7.85 m².
Frequently asked questions
I know the diameter, not the radius.
Halve the diameter.
How do I find a tank’s capacity in gallons?
Choose US gal or UK gal in the volume units.
What formula does the Cylinder Volume Calculator use?
V = π r² h.
Can I work backwards from the result?
Yes. Type the result you want into Volume and the calculator finds the matching height.