How to use the Cone Cubic Feet Calculator
- Choose full cone for a pointed tip. Choose frustum for a flat cut across the cone, and measure both circular radii.
- Choose the shape mode, where available, and a unit for each dimension. Enter the number of identical objects.
- Select Calculate. Review the result and its working; if you change an input, calculate again before copying or sharing.
Cone formula
Convert each length to feet, apply the displayed solid-volume formula, then multiply by the number of identical objects.
π × r² × h ÷ 3
What the terms mean
- Base radius
- A measured length in the selected unit; it is converted to feet before volume is calculated.
- Vertical height
- A measured length in the selected unit; it is converted to feet before volume is calculated.
- Top radius
- A measured length in the selected unit; it is converted to feet before volume is calculated.
- Number of identical items
- The whole-number count of objects with the same entered dimensions.
Cone worked examples
Find the volume of a pointed cone
A full cone has a base radius of 2 ft and a perpendicular height of 3 ft.
- π × r² × h ÷ 3
- radius = 2 ft
- height = 3 ft
- 12.566371 ft³ × 1 = 12.566371 ft³
Answer: 12.566371 ft³. Cubic yards: 0.465421 yd³; Litres: 355.839989 L.
Measure a truncated cone
A frustum has a lower radius of 2 ft, an upper radius of 1 ft and a height of 3 ft.
- π × h × (R² + Rr + r²) ÷ 3
- radius = 2 ft
- topRadius = 1 ft
- height = 3 ft
- 21.991149 ft³ × 1 = 21.991149 ft³
Answer: 21.991149 ft³. Cubic yards: 0.814487 yd³; Litres: 622.719981 L.
Cone Cubic Feet Calculator FAQs
Can this measure a bucket or hopper?
Frustum mode suits a circular container with straight tapered walls. Measure inside radii for capacity.
Can the top radius exceed the base radius?
Enter the larger radius as the base radius. The calculator requires the top radius to be no larger.
Measurement guide for Cone
Use vertical height from the base plane to the tip, not the sloping side. A frustum also needs the radius of the flat top.
Assumptions and limits
Use the perpendicular distance between the base and tip or cut plane. Slant height is longer and cannot be used as vertical height.
Check your result
Check the dimensions converted to feet in the working. For similar solids, doubling every dimension increases volume by a factor of eight.