Cylinder Calculator - Calculate Volume, Surface Area & Dimensions
Cylinder Inputs
Enter dimensions
Hollow Cylinder (Optional)
Enter radius and height for basic calculation. Add inner radius for hollow cylinder (pipe/tube).
Calculation Results
Enter radius and height, then click Calculate
Understanding Cylinders
What is a Cylinder?
A cylinder is a 3D shape with two parallel circular bases connected by a curved surface. Common examples include cans, pipes, tubes, tanks, and barrels. The cylinder is defined by its radius (r) and height (h).
Cylinders can be solid (like a rod) or hollow (like a pipe). Hollow cylinders have an inner radius (rᵢ) in addition to the outer radius, creating a wall thickness.
Volume Formula
Solid: V = πr²h
Hollow: V = π(r² - rᵢ²)h
Volume measures the space inside the cylinder. For hollow cylinders, subtract the inner cylinder's volume from the outer cylinder's volume.
Surface Area Formula
A = 2πr² + 2πrh
Surface area includes two circular bases (2πr²) plus the lateral (curved) surface (2πrh). Hollow cylinders have additional inner surfaces.
Real-World Applications
- Storage Tanks: Calculate fuel, water, or chemical storage capacity
- Pipes & Tubes: Determine flow volume and material requirements
- Cans & Containers: Design packaging with optimal dimensions
- Construction: Calculate concrete volume for columns and piles
- Manufacturing: Design cylindrical parts and estimate material costs
Quick Tips
- • Base area is πr², and there are two bases in a cylinder
- • Lateral area (curved surface) is 2πrh, like "unrolling" the cylinder
- • For hollow cylinders: wall thickness = outer radius - inner radius
- • Doubling the radius multiplies volume by 4 (because r²)
- • Doubling the height doubles the volume (linear relationship)