Cylinder Volume Calculator
Stacking Circles Into a Solid
A cylinder's volume is really just its circular base area, extended uniformly along its height — conceptually the same idea as stacking identical coins into a tall column. That makes the formula a direct extension of circle area, with height simply multiplied in.
The Formula
Volume = πr²h
Worked Example
For a cylinder with radius 3 and height 8:
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Base area | π × 3² | 28.2743 |
| Volume | 28.2743 × 8 | 226.1947 |
Where This Matters
- Tank and drum capacity — sizing fuel, water, or chemical storage cylinders from their dimensions.
- Engine displacement — each engine cylinder's swept volume is computed with this exact formula, bore radius and stroke length standing in for radius and height.
- Piping and columns — estimating the volume of liquid or concrete a cylindrical section can hold.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the cylinder's Radius.
- Enter the cylinder's Height.
- Select Calculate to get the volume.
Related Calculations
Need just the curved side, not the volume? Use the Lateral Area Calculator, or compare with a cone of the same base with the Cone Volume Calculator.