Cylinder Volume Calculator
Calculate volume of round water tanks, industrial drums, columns, and circular pipes. Enter your measurements below to calculate instant, accurate volume in gallons, liters, cubic feet, or cubic meters.
Enter Dimensions
Measure your cylinder and select units for each measurement
How to Calculate Cylinder Volume
Understand the mathematical formula and measurement method
Where r = radius of the circular base, h = height. If you know diameter d, r = d/2.
Calculation Steps
- 1Measure the base radius (r) from the center to the outer edge, or measure diameter and divide by 2.
- 2Square the radius (r × r) and multiply by Pi (π ≈ 3.14159265). This gives the circular base area.
- 3Multiply the base area by the cylinder height (h): Volume = π × r² × h.
Practical Everyday Uses for Cylinder
Where this 3D calculation is applied in construction, shipping, and daily projects
55-Gallon Steel Drums
Industrial chemical and oil drums with 11.25 in radius and 33.5 in height hold ~55 US gallons.
Vertical Water Storage Tanks
Calculate rain harvesting or well water holding capacity in gallons or liters.
Circular Concrete Pillars & Columns
Determine concrete mix bags needed for civil engineering foundations and sonotubes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common measurement questions for cylinder volume
How do you calculate cylinder volume if you only have the diameter?▼
Divide the diameter by 2 to get the radius (r = d / 2), then apply the formula V = π × r² × h.
What is the surface area of a cylinder?▼
Total surface area includes the top and bottom circles plus the curved side: A = 2πr(r + h).
How do you convert cylinder volume to gallons?▼
Calculate volume in cubic inches and divide by 231, or calculate in cubic feet and multiply by 7.48.
Explore Other 3D Volume Calculators
Quick links to other shapes in our mathematical suite