The formula
Volume is the area of the circular face multiplied by the height, written V = pi x r squared x h.
The surface area adds the two circular ends to the curved side: 2 x pi x r x (r + h).
Worked example
A cylinder with a radius of 5 cm and a height of 20 cm has a volume of pi x 25 x 20 = 1,570.796 cm³.
That is 1.570796 litres, or 0.001570796 m³. Its surface area is 2 x pi x 5 x 25 = 785.398 cm², which is 0.0785398 m².
Litres and cubic metres
One cubic metre holds exactly 1,000 litres, and one litre is 1,000 cm³. A tank 1 m across and 1 m tall holds about 785 litres.
The litres row is the one to use for capacity. The cubic metre row is the one to use when comparing with other volumes in metres.
Inputs for the cylinder volume calculator
Radius
Half the width across the circular face. For a 10 cm wide cylinder, type 5.
Height
How tall the cylinder stands, measured along its side rather than across.
Measurement unit
The unit both measurements are in. The answer is given in cubic metres and litres.
CALCULATOR QUESTIONS
Calculator of volume of cylinder questions
How do I work out the volume of a cylinder?
Square the radius, multiply by pi, then multiply by the height. A radius of 5 cm and height of 20 cm gives 1,570.796 cm³.
How many litres does a cubic metre hold?
Exactly 1,000. One cubic metre is 1,000 litres, and one litre is 1,000 cubic centimetres.
Does it matter whether I use the radius or the diameter?
Yes. The formula needs the radius. If you know the diameter, halve it first, because using the full width gives four times the volume.
Can I use inches?
Yes. Choose inches and the volume is converted to cubic metres and litres, with your own cubic inches shown too.