Geometry and volume calculator

Cylinder volume calculator

Find the volume of a right circular cylinder from its radius or diameter and height. Choose one unit for each measurement, then compare native cubic units with cubic meters, cubic feet, liters, and US gallons.

Radius or diameterMixed length unitsVolume conversions

Interactive Cylinder volume calculator

Enter known values

Enter the known values and select Calculate.

How to use this calculator

  1. Choose whether the first measurement is radius or diameter.
  2. Enter the circular measurement and its unit.
  3. Enter perpendicular cylinder height and its unit.
  4. Use capacity conversions only when the interior really matches a right circular cylinder.

Formula and method

V = πr²h. When diameter d is entered, radius r = d ÷ 2 before squaring. Measurements are normalized to meters for conversion while the native-unit volume is also shown.

Worked example

A cylinder with radius 3 in and height 10 in has volume π × 3² × 10 = 90π, or about 282.74 in³.

Assumptions and result interpretation

  • The cylinder has parallel circular bases and a perpendicular height.
  • Wall thickness, rounded ends, fill level, and interior obstructions are not subtracted.
  • US gallons are used for the gallon conversion.
  • Conversions reuse the same NIST-grounded dimensional factors as Cohort 2.

Understanding the result

Because radius is squared, confusing radius and diameter produces a fourfold volume error. Confirm that selection before interpreting the converted capacity.

Common mistakes

  • Entering diameter while radius mode is selected
  • Using slanted edge length instead of perpendicular height
  • Mixing interior and exterior dimensions
  • Treating nominal container size as measured capacity

Methodology sources

Use this result as a calculation aid. Confirm input definitions, required precision, and any governing policy or professional standard separately.