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Cylinder Calculator – Online Tool for Volume & Surface Area

Q: 6. What is the difference between the curved surface area and the total surface area of a cylinder?

The curved surface area of a cylinder is simply the area of the curved lateral surface, calculated as 2πrh. The total surface area includes this curved surface area *plus* the areas of the two circular bases (2πr²). Therefore, total surface area is always greater than the curved surface area.

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How to Calculate the Volume and Surface Area of a Cylinder

Radius (r) [required]: Height (h) [required]: Select Calculation:

How to Use the Cylinder Calculator

Enter the cylinder's radius (or diameter) and height in the calculator fields.
Select if you want to calculate volume, surface area, or lateral area.
Click the “Calculate” button.
View the step-by-step answer and the final result instantly.

What is a Cylinder in Solid Geometry?

A cylinder is a three-dimensional solid with two parallel, congruent circular bases joined by a curved surface. The distance between the centres of the bases is called the height. Cylinders are widely seen in our daily life, including pipes, cans, and batteries.

In mathematics, cylinders are studied for their unique properties, volume, and surface calculations in mensuration and geometry. Their structure—one curved lateral face and two flat bases—makes them distinct from polyhedra like cubes and cuboids.

Cylinder Formulas & Calculation Method

The main formulas used in the cylinder calculator are:

Quantity	Symbol	Formula	Units
Volume	V	π × r² × h	Cubic units
Total Surface Area	TSA	2πr(h + r)	Square units
Lateral/Curved Surface Area	LSA	2πrh	Square units

Where π is approximately 3.14159, r is the radius, and h is the height. You can also use diameter (d), knowing r = d/2.

Cylinder Example Values (Precomputed Table)

Radius (r)	Height (h)	Volume (πr²h)	Total Surface Area	Lateral Area
2 cm	5 cm	62.83 cm³	87.96 cm²	62.83 cm²
3 cm	10 cm	282.74 cm³	245.04 cm²	188.50 cm²
4 cm	8 cm	402.12 cm³	301.59 cm²	201.06 cm²
5 cm	12 cm	942.48 cm³	534.07 cm²	376.99 cm²

How to Use the Cylinder Calculator?

Enter the radius and height of the cylinder. You may use decimal values.
Choose which result you want to see: volume, surface area, lateral area, or all.
Click Calculate to get an instant, step-by-step answer.
Click Reset to clear all fields and start a fresh calculation.

Why Choose Vedantu’s Cylinder Calculator?

This online calculator is completely free, supports instant results, and breaks down all steps for student learning. You can try different radius and height values to practice homework problems and see all calculations explained.

With a clean mobile layout and support for both metric and SI units, Vedantu’s tool is perfect for quick classwork checks. Need more geometry tools? You’ll find easy access to cube, cone and other 3D shape calculators as well.

Applications of Cylinder Calculations

Understanding cylinders is vital for real-life objects—everything from water tanks, cans, glasses, electrical cells, and pipes relies on these formulas. Architects and engineers use surface area and volume to solve material and design problems daily.

Cylinder calculations are common in school exams and competitive tests. Want more exam help? Check out Vedantu’s resources for mensuration topics and HCF calculators to expand your geometry toolkit.

Real-life Cylinder Examples

Tin cans
Batteries
Drinking glasses
Water pipes
Candles
Toilet paper rolls
Test tubes
Barrels
Rolling pins
Soda cans

Faces, Edges, and Vertices in a Cylinder

Property	Cylinder
Faces	3 (2 circular bases + 1 curved face)
Edges	2 (circular edges at bases)
Vertices	0

Top 5 Properties of a Cylinder

Two parallel, congruent circular bases
No vertices (corners)
One smooth curved lateral surface
Axis perpendicular to the bases in a right circular cylinder
Surface area and volume depend on radius and height

Explore More on Vedantu

Page reviewed by certified maths teachers, mapped to CBSE/NCERT. All solutions and steps are accuracy-checked—trusted by millions of students in India for exam help and daily learning.

FAQs on Cylinder Calculator – Online Tool for Volume & Surface Area

1. What is a cylinder in solid geometry?

A cylinder is a three-dimensional geometric solid with two parallel circular bases connected by a curved surface. Its key features include its height (the distance between the bases) and radius (the distance from the center of a base to its edge). Understanding cylinders is fundamental to mastering solid geometry concepts.

2. How do I calculate the volume of a cylinder?

The volume of a cylinder is calculated using the formula V = πr²h, where 'r' is the radius of the circular base and 'h' is the height of the cylinder. Simply multiply pi (π ≈ 3.14159) by the square of the radius and then by the height to find the volume. Remember to use consistent units for radius and height.

3. What is the formula for the surface area of a cylinder?

The total surface area of a cylinder comprises the areas of its two circular bases and its curved lateral surface. The formula is TSA = 2πr² + 2πrh, where 'r' is the radius and 'h' is the height. The curved surface area alone is 2πrh.

4. How many faces, edges, and vertices does a cylinder have?

A cylinder possesses three faces: two circular bases and one curved lateral face. It has two edges, which are the circumferences of the circular bases. Importantly, a cylinder has zero vertices (corners).

5. What are some real-world examples of cylinders?

Cylinders are prevalent in everyday objects. Common examples include cans, pipes, drinking glasses, batteries, and even some storage containers. Recognizing these shapes helps to solidify your understanding of solid geometry in a practical context.

6. What is the difference between the curved surface area and the total surface area of a cylinder?

The curved surface area of a cylinder is simply the area of the curved lateral surface, calculated as 2πrh. The total surface area includes this curved surface area *plus* the areas of the two circular bases (2πr²). Therefore, total surface area is always greater than the curved surface area.

7. How can I use a cylinder calculator effectively?

Vedantu's cylinder calculator simplifies calculations. Input the radius (or diameter) and height of the cylinder, then select whether you need to compute the volume or surface area. The calculator will provide the result instantly, making geometry problem-solving efficient and accurate.

8. What are the key properties of a cylinder?

Key properties include: two congruent circular bases parallel to each other; a curved lateral surface connecting the bases; a constant radius throughout; and a height that is the perpendicular distance between the bases. Understanding these properties helps define a cylinder and differentiate it from other 3D shapes.

9. Why is understanding cylinder geometry important?

Understanding cylinders is crucial for various applications in mathematics, engineering, and everyday life. It forms the basis for calculating volumes and surface areas, essential skills in many fields. Mastering cylinder geometry strengthens spatial reasoning and problem-solving abilities.

10. What are some common mistakes students make when calculating cylinder volume or surface area?

Common mistakes include: forgetting to square the radius in the volume formula; incorrectly using the diameter instead of the radius; and failing to include the areas of both circular bases when calculating total surface area. Careful attention to detail and formula accuracy is crucial for avoiding errors.

11. How does the radius affect the volume and surface area of a cylinder?

The radius has a significant impact. In the volume formula (πr²h), the radius is squared, meaning a small change in radius significantly affects the volume. Similarly, the radius is a factor in both parts of the surface area formula, so changes in radius impact total and curved surface area.