Cylinder Volume Calculator
Calculate the volume of a cylinder from its radius and height
By Drew Budwin · Last updated July 2026 · Methodology
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Cylinder Volume Calculator Formula
Volume of a cylinder:
V = π × r² × h
r = radius, h = height
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the radius of the circular cross-section.
- Enter the height of the cylinder.
- Click Calculate Volume to see the result.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I only know the diameter?
The radius is half the diameter: r = diameter / 2. Divide your diameter by 2 before entering it here.
How do I find the volume of a tank or pipe?
For a cylindrical tank, measure the inner radius and height (or depth of water), then use V = πr²h. For a hollow pipe, use the tube volume calculator instead.
What units does this calculator use?
This calculator is unit-agnostic. If you enter radius in meters and height in meters, the result is in cubic meters (m³). Always use the same unit for both inputs.
How do I convert cubic units to liters or gallons?
One liter equals 1,000 cm³, and one US gallon equals 3,785.41 cm³. Calculate the cylinder volume in centimeters, then divide by 1,000 for liters or by 3,785.41 for US gallons.
What is the surface area of a cylinder?
The total surface area is SA = 2πr² + 2πrh. The first term covers the two circular end caps, and the second term covers the curved lateral surface.
How do I find the volume of a partially filled cylindrical tank?
If the cylinder is upright and filled to depth d (where d ≤ h), the volume of liquid is πr²d. Use d as the height in this calculator. For a cylinder lying on its side, the filled volume requires a different calculation.
How does cylinder volume compare to a cone with the same base and height?
A cone has exactly one-third the volume of a cylinder with the same base radius and height. If the cylinder gives V = πr²h, the matching cone gives V = πr²h/3. Use the cone volume calculator to compare.
What is the optimal height-to-diameter ratio to minimize surface area for a given volume?
Surface area is minimized when height equals diameter (h = 2r). That's why many cans are roughly as tall as they are wide — it uses the least material for a given volume. Beverage cans deviate slightly due to stacking and grip requirements.