Cylinder Volume Calculator
Volume, capacity, surface areas and weight for any cylinder.
Inputs
Result
Formula
| Radius | r = d ÷ 2 |
| Base area | A = π r² |
| Volume | V = π r² h |
| Lateral area | A = π d h |
| Total area | A = π d h + 2π r² |
| Capacity | V(L) = V(m³) × 1000 |
A 1 m diameter, 3 m high cylinder: 0.7854 m² base, 2.356 m³ volume, 9.425 m² lateral area, 10.996 m² total, 2356.2 L capacity and 2.356 t when full of water.
FAQ
Why does my tank always hold less than calculated?
Three reasons: using the outside diameter — a tank 4 m outside with 200 mm walls is 3.6 m inside, 19% less volume; ignoring freeboard, since the water line sits 200-300 mm below the top; and ignoring internals such as columns, baffles and ladders. Use the bore, deduct freeboard, and the error falls under 2%.
Does a round or square column use less formwork?
For equal area, round uses less because the circle has the shortest perimeter. But curved panels cost over twice as much as flat ones and need bespoke hoops, so for small and medium sections square is cheaper overall. Round steel forms only pay on large diameters, piers and silos where the cost is amortised.
Can the cylinder formula be used for a conical stockpile?
No — a cone uses V = πr²h/3, one third of the cylinder for the same base and height. A natural sand or gravel pile is closer to a frustum with a flattened top, so use V = πh/3 × (R² + Rr + r²); treating it as a cone overstates by 10-20%.
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Results are estimating aids only and are not a design basis. Construction and final accounts must follow the drawings, the applicable standards and an approved method statement. Anything affecting structural safety, shoring or falsework must be checked by a suitably qualified engineer.