Cylinder Area Calculator
Calculate cylinder surface area, volume, lateral area, and base area with detailed step-by-step solutions and comprehensive explanations.
Cylinder Calculator
Enter radius and height to calculate all properties
Visual Representation
Understanding Cylinders
What is a Cylinder?
A cylinder is a three-dimensional geometric shape with two parallel circular bases connected by a curved surface. It's one of the most common shapes in engineering, architecture, and everyday objects like cans, pipes, and columns.
Key Components
- Base: The circular top and bottom faces
- Height: The perpendicular distance between bases
- Radius: The distance from center to edge of the base
- Lateral Surface: The curved surface connecting the bases
Essential Formulas
Surface Area: SA = 2πr(r + h)
Total area of all surfaces
Volume: V = πr²h
Space inside the cylinder
Lateral Area: LA = 2πrh
Area of the curved surface only
Base Area: BA = πr²
Area of one circular base
Real-World Applications
Engineering & Construction
Calculating material needs for pipes, columns, tanks, and silos
Manufacturing
Designing cans, bottles, containers, and cylindrical products
Architecture
Planning cylindrical buildings, towers, and structural elements
Science & Research
Laboratory equipment, storage vessels, and experimental apparatus
Tips & Common Mistakes
✓ Remember
- • Surface area includes both bases and lateral surface
- • Volume measures the space inside the cylinder
- • Use consistent units for all measurements
✗ Avoid
- • Confusing radius with diameter
- • Forgetting to include both circular bases
- • Using different units for radius and height