Cylinder Calculator
Calculate volume, surface area, and dimensions from various input combinations
Input Values
How to Use the Cylinder Calculator
- Select Input Type: Choose what values you know (radius & height, diameter & height, etc.)
- Enter Values: Input the known measurements
- View Results: All properties are calculated instantly
- Copy Values: Click the copy button next to any result
Understanding Cylinders
A cylinder is a 3D shape with two parallel circular bases connected by a curved lateral surface. The height is the perpendicular distance between the bases.
Key Properties:
- Two identical circular bases
- Curved lateral surface
- Height perpendicular to bases
- Cross-sections parallel to base are circles
Cylinder Formulas
Practical Applications
Engineering
- Pipes and tubes
- Storage tanks
- Pistons and engines
- Columns and pillars
Everyday Objects
- Cans and bottles
- Batteries and rolls
- Cups and glasses
- Candles and pencils
Worked Example: Volume of a Water Tank
A cylindrical tank has a diameter of 2 m (so r = 1 m) and a height of 1.5 m. Its volume is V = πr²h = π × 1² × 1.5 ≈ 4.712 m³, which is 4,712 liters. Its total surface area is A = 2πr(r + h) = 2π × 1 × 2.5 ≈ 15.71 m² — the amount of sheet metal needed to build it, before seams and waste.
The calculator also works in reverse: given a required volume and a fixed radius, it solves for the height (h = V/πr²), and given a total surface area and radius it solves for height as well — useful when designing containers to a material or capacity budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate the volume of a cylinder?+
Multiply the area of the circular base by the height: V = πr²h. For example, a can with a radius of 3 cm and height of 11 cm holds π × 9 × 11 ≈ 311 cm³ (about 311 ml). If you only know the diameter, halve it first to get the radius.
What is the difference between lateral and total surface area?+
Lateral surface area (2πrh) covers only the curved side wall — imagine the label wrapped around a can. Total surface area (2πr(r + h)) adds the two circular ends. Use lateral area for things like pipe insulation or labels, and total area for painting or fabricating a closed tank.
Can I find the height if I know the volume and radius?+
Yes. Choose the volume and radius input mode and the calculator rearranges the formula to h = V / (πr²). It can also solve for height from total surface area and radius, or work from diameter instead of radius, so you can start from whichever measurements you actually have.
What units does the cylinder calculator use?+
It is unit-agnostic: enter any consistent unit and results come back in that unit, squared for areas and cubed for volumes. If you enter the radius in inches and height in inches, the volume is in cubic inches. Just never mix units (for example, radius in cm and height in m) without converting first.
Is this cylinder calculator free and does it work on mobile?+
Yes. It is completely free with no sign-up, and all math runs instantly in your browser on any device. Every result row has a copy button, so you can paste exact values into homework, CAD software, or a spreadsheet.
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