How to use the Cylinder Cubic Feet Calculator
- Divide a measured diameter by two before entering radius. Height is the distance between the circular ends.
- 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.
Cylinder formula
Convert each length to feet, apply the displayed solid-volume formula, then multiply by the number of identical objects.
π × r² × h
What the terms mean
- Radius
- A measured length in the selected unit; it is converted to feet before volume is calculated.
- Height / length
- 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.
Cylinder worked examples
Measure a full cylindrical container
A straight cylinder has an inside radius of 1 ft and a height of 10 ft.
- π × r² × h
- radius = 1 ft
- height = 10 ft
- 31.415927 ft³ × 1 = 31.415927 ft³
Answer: 31.415927 ft³. Cubic yards: 1.163553 yd³; Litres: 889.599972 L.
Use a diameter measured in inches
A cylinder is 12 in across and 2 ft high. Enter its 6 in radius.
- π × r² × h
- radius = 0.5 ft
- height = 2 ft
- 1.570796 ft³ × 1 = 1.570796 ft³
Answer: 1.570796 ft³. Cubic yards: 0.058178 yd³; Litres: 44.479999 L.
Cylinder Cubic Feet Calculator FAQs
Do I enter radius or diameter?
Enter radius, which is half the diameter. A 24-inch diameter has a 12-inch radius.
How can I measure a partly filled tank?
Use the tank calculator, which includes liquid depth and horizontal or vertical cylinder modes.
Measurement guide for Cylinder
Measure across the centre of the circular end to find diameter, then halve it. Measure height parallel to the cylinder axis.
Assumptions and limits
The model is a full, straight cylinder. Internal capacity uses the inside radius; hollow material needs the inner cylinder subtracted from the outer.
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.