Cylinder Volume Calculator
Use this calculator to find the volume of a cylinder. Enter either the radius or diameter, then provide the height.
How to calculate the volume of a cylinder
The volume of a cylinder tells you how much space is inside it. This is useful in engineering, construction, manufacturing, classroom math, and day-to-day tasks like figuring out how much liquid a tank can hold.
The standard formula is:
Where:
V = volume
r = radius of the circular base
h = height of the cylinder
π ≈ 3.14159
If you only know diameter
If diameter is given instead of radius, use:
Then: V = π(d/2)²h
Step-by-step example
Suppose a cylinder has:
- Radius = 4 cm
- Height = 10 cm
Plug into the formula:
V = π × 16 × 10
V = 160π
V ≈ 502.65 cm³
Unit notes and common conversions
Keep all input measurements in the same unit before calculating. The result will be in cubic units.
| Length Unit | Volume Unit Output |
|---|---|
| meters (m) | cubic meters (m³) |
| centimeters (cm) | cubic centimeters (cm³) |
| inches (in) | cubic inches (in³) |
| feet (ft) | cubic feet (ft³) |
Where this calculator is useful
- Estimating storage tank capacity
- Calculating concrete required for cylindrical columns
- Finding liquid volume in bottles, tubes, and pipes
- Academic geometry practice and homework checks
Tips for accurate results
- Use precise measurements (especially for small parts).
- Double-check whether you entered radius or diameter.
- Avoid mixing units (for example, inches and centimeters together).
- Round only at the end if you need high precision.
FAQ
Can I use decimal values?
Yes. The calculator accepts decimal values for radius, diameter, and height.
What if I enter both radius and diameter?
The calculator prioritizes radius. Diameter is treated as a backup if radius is left empty.
Can volume be zero?
Yes. If radius (or diameter) is zero or height is zero, the computed volume is zero.
Does this work for hollow cylinders?
This tool calculates the volume of a solid cylinder. For hollow cylinders (pipes), use: V = πh(R² - r²), where R is outer radius and r is inner radius.