Volume is a three-dimensional extension of the two-dimensional measurement of area. The area of a circle is determined by the formula pi x radius squared (?r2). Giving height to a circle creates a cylinder, and the formula for the volume of the cylinder adapts by multiplying the area of the circle with the height of the cylinder. This gives a formula for the volume of a right circular cylinder as pi times the radius squared times the height (? x r2 x h).
- Pencil
- Paper
- Ruler
Measure the radius of the cylinder. The radius is half the diameter or the distance from the center of the cylinder to the side.
Measure the height of the cylinder. Use the same units of measurement used to measure the radius.
Calculate the volume according to the formula pi times the radius squared times the height (v = ? x r2 x h). For example, a cylinder with a radius of three centimeters and a height of five centimeters would have a volume of 141 cubic centimeters (? x 3 cm x 3 cm x 5 cm = 141 cm3).
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About the Author
David Chandler has been a freelance writer since 2006 whose work has appeared in various print and online publications. A former reconnaissance Marine, he is an active hiker, diver, kayaker, sailor and angler. He has traveled extensively and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida where he was educated in international studies and microbiology.
Photo Credits
paint ball cylinder. image by Empath from Fotolia.com