Volume of Triangular Prism Calculator
Volume = (½ × Base × Triangle Height) × Prism Length
A Triangle, Extended Straight Through
Slide a triangle along a straight path and it sweeps out a triangular prism — the shape behind tents, chocolate-bar packaging, and roof trusses. Its volume calculation is really two steps in one: work out the triangular base area first, then extend it along the prism's length.
The Formula
Triangle Area = ½ × Base × Triangle Height
Volume = Triangle Area × Prism Length
Volume = Triangle Area × Prism Length
Worked Example
For a triangular prism with base 6, triangle height 4, and prism length 10:
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle area | ½ × 6 × 4 | 12 |
| Volume | 12 × 10 | 120 |
Where This Matters
- Roof truss design — the triangular cross-section of a gable or truss extended along a building's length.
- Packaging — triangular-prism cartons (the classic Toblerone shape) size their contents this way.
- Optics — triangular prisms used to split or redirect light are specified by these same dimensions.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the Triangle Base.
- Enter the Triangle Height (perpendicular to that base).
- Enter the Prism Length (the extrusion distance).
- Select Calculate to get the volume.
Related Calculations
For any other base shape, use the general Prism Volume Calculator, or find just the triangle's area with the Triangle Area Calculator.