Cylinder Volume Calculator — Geometry (π r² h)

Cylinder Volume

This calculator finds the volume of a right circular cylinder when you know the radius of the circular base and the perpendicular height (or length along the axis). Enter both measurements using the same unit (for example centimetres, metres, or inches); the volume is returned in the matching cubic unit. It uses the standard solid-geometry formula V = π r² h and is ideal for checking homework, revision, and quick classroom estimates.

Radius (r)

Distance from the centre of the circular base to its edge; same unit as height.

Height (h)

Perpendicular distance between the two circular bases (axis length); same unit as radius.

How it works

This calculator finds the volume of a right circular cylinder when you know the radius of the circular base and the perpendicular height (or length along the axis). Enter both measurements using the same unit (for example centimetres, metres, or inches); the volume is returned in the matching cubic unit. It uses the standard solid-geometry formula V = π r² h and is ideal for checking homework, revision, and quick classroom estimates.

The Formula

For a right circular cylinder with base radius r and height h:

V = π r² h

where V is the volume of the solid. The same formula applies when h is the length of the cylinder along its axis.

Worked Example

Worked example
If the radius r = 3 cm and the height h = 10 cm, then V = π × 3² × 10 = 90π ≈ 282.74 cm³. Multiplying by 3.14159 gives about 282.74 cubic centimetres.

Tips, Assumptions & Limitations

Use the same length unit for radius and height so the volume is in the corresponding cubic unit (e.g. cm and cm → cm³).
The radius is half the diameter; if you only have the diameter d, use r = d ÷ 2 before entering the value.
For a very thin hollow tube, this tool still models the solid cylinder; wall thickness needs a different model.

FAQ

It uses V = π r² h for a right circular cylinder, where r is the radius of the base and h is the height along the axis.

You can use any consistent length unit. If radius and height are both in inches, the volume is in cubic inches; if both are in metres, the volume is in cubic metres.

Divide the diameter by 2 to get the radius, then enter that value in the radius field.

This tool applies the cylinder geometry formula to your dimensions. A volume converter switches between units for a volume you already know; together they cover sizing the shape and expressing the result in another system if needed.