Volume and Surface Area Calculator
Calculate the volume, surface area and liquid capacity of six common 3D shapes, in metric or imperial units.
Result
Enter your values and select Calculate to see the result.
How to use this calculator
- Choose a shape and the unit your measurements are in.
- Enter the measurements shown for that shape. All lengths must use the same unit.
- The result gives the volume in cubic units, the surface area, and the capacity in liters (and US gallons for imperial units).
Formula
- Box:
V = l × w × h, surface2(lw + lh + wh) - Cube:
V = s³, surface6s² - Cylinder:
V = πr²h, surface2πr(r + h) - Sphere:
V = ⁴⁄₃πr³, surface4πr² - Cone:
V = ⅓πr²h, surfaceπr(r + slant)whereslant = √(r² + h²) - Rectangular pyramid:
V = ⅓ × l × w × h
Capacity: 1 cm³ = 1 mL, 1 m³ = 1,000 L, 1 ft³ ≈ 28.32 L.
Worked example
A fish tank
30 × 20 × 15 cm: V = 9,000 cm³ = 9 L. Surface area = 2(600 + 450 + 300) = 2,700 cm².
A cylindrical can
Radius 5 cm, height 15 cm: V = π × 25 × 15 ≈ 1,178.1 cm³ ≈ 1.18 L.
Assumptions and limitations
- Shapes are ideal solids; wall thickness of real containers is not subtracted.
- Surface area includes all faces, including the base and top.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find the volume of an irregular container?
Split it into simple shapes, calculate each and add them up — or fill it with a measured amount of water.
How many liters are in a cubic meter?
Exactly 1,000 liters.