How it’s calculated
A cylinder is a circle extruded along its height, so its volume is the base area times the height.
Example: a cylinder 2 ft across (r = 1 ft) and 3 ft tall holds π × 1² × 3 ≈ 9.42 ft³ ≈ 266.9 L ≈ 70.5 US gal. Its total surface area is 2π(1)(3) + 2π(1)² = 8π ≈ 25.13 ft².
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for the volume of a cylinder?
V = πr²h, the area of the circular end times the height. Remember to halve the diameter to get r.
How many gallons does a cylinder hold?
Compute the volume in cubic feet and multiply by about 7.48, or in liters and divide by 3.785. The calculator shows both.
Can I use this for a pipe?
Yes. Use the inside diameter and the pipe length to get the volume of fluid it holds.
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Sources
- Prealgebra 2e, 9.6 Solve Geometry Applications: Volume and Surface Area — OpenStax
- Contemporary Mathematics, 10.7 Volume and Surface Area — OpenStax
- NIST Handbook 44, Appendix C: Units of Measurement — U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology
Formulas are taken from the free public references above. Results are provided “as is” for informational and educational purposes only. See our disclaimer.
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