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Triple Integral Calculator: Free Online Solver with Steps

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How to Calculate Triple Integrals and Visualize 3D Volume

Triple Integral Calculator – Free Online Tool with Formula, Steps & Examples

Triple Integral Calculator

Supports basic algebraic expressions; try x*y*z or x^2+y^2+z^2. (Powered by math.js)

What is Triple Integral Calculator?

A Triple Integral Calculator helps you quickly and accurately evaluate the triple integral of a function over a defined three-dimensional region. Triple integrals are used in mathematics and engineering to calculate volumes, masses with varying densities, and more complex physical quantities. This tool allows you to enter any function f(x, y, z) and compute its triple definite integral over given limits for x, y, and z, making tough calculus problems much easier and faster to solve.


Formula or Logic Behind Triple Integral Calculator

The triple integral of a function f(x, y, z) over a 3D region V is written as:

V f(x, y, z) dV = ∫z₁z₂y₁y₂x₁x₂ f(x, y, z) dx dy dz

Here, you integrate the function first with respect to x, then y, then z, each over their specific limits.
For various coordinate systems, the formula changes:

  • Cartesian: ∭ f(x, y, z) dx dy dz
  • Cylindrical: ∭ f(r, θ, z) r dr dθ dz
  • Spherical: ∭ f(ρ, θ, φ) ρ²sin(φ) dρ dθ dφ
The calculator uses numeric integration (Riemann sum or Simpson’s rule) to quickly estimate complex triple integrals.


Examples of Triple Integrals (Solved)

Function f(x, y, z) x limits y limits z limits Result Main Steps
x*y*z 0 to 1 0 to 2 0 to 3 4.5 Integrate with respect to x, then y, then z over cuboid
x2 + y2 + z2 0 to 1 0 to 1 0 to 1 1 Each integral on [0,1]; use symbolic integration
1 0 to 2 0 to 2 0 to 2 8 Volume of cube: (2×2×2) = 8

Steps to Use the Triple Integral Calculator

  • Enter the function (for example, x*y*z or x2+y*z).
  • Enter the lower and upper limits for x, y, and z.
  • Select the coordinate system (Cartesian, Cylindrical, or Spherical).
  • Click the 'Calculate' button.
  • Get the answer instantly, and click "Show Steps" for the breakdown.

Why Use Vedantu’s Triple Integral Calculator?

Vedantu’s Triple Integral Calculator is user-friendly, works instantly on mobile and desktop, and provides both answers and stepwise explanations. It's trusted by lakhs of Indian students and professionals, verified by Vedantu educators, and tailored for exam prep, projects, and real-world calculations.


Real-life Applications of Triple Integrals

Triple integrals are essential in:

  • Calculating volumes of 3D solids, even with irregular boundaries
  • Finding the mass of objects with variable density
  • Physics and Engineering: computing electric charge, center of mass, heat content, or total energy over a region
  • 3D probability distributions in statistics and data science
  • Solving problems in mechanical, civil, and aerospace engineering
  • Academic assignments, research, and STEM competitions

For example, if you want to find the total mass of a solid with non-uniform density, or calculate the fluid amount in an oddly-shaped tank, or determine probability in a three-dimensional space, triple integrals and this calculator make such tasks straightforward.


Want to learn more about integration in maths? Discover integration basics, explore double integral concepts, or use our Definite Integral Calculator for faster results! For geometry, see volume formulas and 3D shapes on Vedantu.

FAQs on Triple Integral Calculator: Free Online Solver with Steps

1. What is a triple integral?

A triple integral is a mathematical tool used to calculate the volume of a three-dimensional region or to find the total value of a function across that region. It extends the concept of a single integral (area under a curve) and a double integral (volume under a surface) into three dimensions. Think of it as summing up infinitely small pieces of volume within a 3D shape.

2. What is the formula for a triple integral?

The basic formula for a triple integral in Cartesian coordinates is: ∭V f(x, y, z) dV, where f(x, y, z) is the function being integrated and V represents the volume of integration. The 'dV' represents an infinitesimally small volume element. The limits of integration are determined by the boundaries of the 3D region. Alternative formulas exist for cylindrical and spherical coordinate systems.

3. How do I solve a triple integral?

Solving a triple integral involves iterated integration. You integrate the function with respect to one variable at a time, treating the other variables as constants. The order of integration (dx, dy, dz or any permutation) can significantly impact the difficulty of the problem and may depend on the shape of the region of integration. You'll need to evaluate the inner integral first, then the middle integral, and finally the outer integral, plugging in the limits of integration at each step.

4. What are triple integrals used for?

Triple integrals have numerous applications in various fields. They're crucial for calculating the volume of irregular solids, determining the mass of three-dimensional objects with varying density, computing center of mass, and calculating physical quantities like charge, moment of inertia, and fluid flow. They are also useful in probability and statistics to solve problems involving three-dimensional probability distributions.

5. What are the different coordinate systems for triple integrals?

Besides Cartesian (x, y, z) coordinates, triple integrals can be evaluated using cylindrical (r, θ, z) and spherical (ρ, θ, φ) coordinates. The choice of coordinate system depends on the shape and symmetry of the integration region. Cylindrical coordinates are suitable for regions with cylindrical symmetry, while spherical coordinates are best for regions with spherical symmetry. Each coordinate system has a corresponding Jacobian determinant that needs to be included in the integral formula to account for the change in volume element.

6. How do I choose the order of integration in a triple integral?

The order of integration (dx dy dz, dx dz dy, etc.) is chosen based on the shape of the region and the function being integrated. Sometimes, one order leads to a much simpler calculation than others. Consider the limits of integration: choosing the order that makes the limits of integration simpler and easier to manage is often the best strategy. You may need to try different orders to find the simplest path.

7. What is the difference between a double and triple integral?

A double integral calculates the volume under a surface in two dimensions, while a triple integral extends this to three dimensions, calculating the volume of a solid or a quantity distributed throughout a three-dimensional region. Essentially, a triple integral integrates over a volume, whereas a double integral integrates over an area.

8. How do I set up limits of integration for a triple integral?

Setting up the limits of integration depends heavily on the shape of the region you are integrating over. You will describe the region using inequalities based on the chosen coordinate system (Cartesian, cylindrical, or spherical). The innermost integral will typically have limits that are functions of the outer variables, while the outermost integral will have constant limits. Carefully sketch the region and express the boundaries in terms of inequalities to set up your integration limits correctly.

9. What are some common mistakes to avoid when calculating triple integrals?

Common mistakes include incorrect limits of integration, forgetting the Jacobian determinant when using cylindrical or spherical coordinates, and errors in the order of integration. Carefully sketch the region, double-check your limits, and systematically evaluate each integral to minimize errors. Pay close attention to the Jacobian factor for non-Cartesian coordinate systems.

10. Can I use a triple integral to find the mass of an object?

Yes, you can use a triple integral to find the mass of a three-dimensional object. If ρ(x, y, z) represents the density of the object at point (x, y, z), the total mass (M) is given by: M = ∭V ρ(x, y, z) dV. The integral sums up the infinitesimal masses (ρ(x,y,z)dV) throughout the volume of the object.

11. How does the Jacobian affect triple integrals in cylindrical and spherical coordinates?

The Jacobian determinant accounts for the change in volume element when transforming from Cartesian coordinates to cylindrical or spherical coordinates. In cylindrical coordinates, the Jacobian is 'r', and in spherical coordinates, it's 'ρ²sinφ'. These factors must be included in the integrand to obtain the correct result. Failing to include the Jacobian leads to incorrect volume calculations and answers.