Box Surface Area Calculator
A cuboid (or rectangular prism) is the shape of almost every box, room, and brick in the world. Calculating its surface area is essential for everything from painting a room to wrapping a gift.
The Cuboid Surface Area Calculator goes beyond simple geometry. It includes a “Shipping & Packing” mode that helps business owners estimate material costs for custom boxes.
Advanced Features
- Unit Flexibility: Input Length in inches, Width in feet, and Height in cm—the tool normalizes everything automatically.
- Shipping Mode: Enter your material cost (e.g., $0.50/sq ft) and waste % to get an instant cost estimate for manufacturing the box.
- Detailed Breakdowns: Shows the area of the Top/Bottom, Front/Back, and Sides separately, so you know exactly where the material is going.
- Interactive 3D Model: A dynamic 3D box resizes on your screen to match your L/W/H proportions.
- Comprehensive Stats: Calculates Surface Area, Volume, Lateral Area (walls only), and the main Diagonal.
How to Use
1. Enter Dimensions: Input Length, Width, and Height. Select the correct unit for each dimension.
2. Review Surface Area: The “Total Surface Area” result is ideal for painting or wrapping.
3. Check Shipping (Optional): Click the “Shipping & Packing” tab. Enter your cardboard cost per square unit to estimate the box usage and cost.
Formulas Used
Total Surface Area (SA):
SA = 2(LW + LH + WH)
*Where L=Length, W=Width, H=Height*
Volume (V):
V = L × W × H
Lateral Area (LA):
LA = 2H(L + W)
*This is the area of just the four vertical sides (walls).*
Space Diagonal (d):
d = √(L² + W² + H²)
Common Uses
- Construction: Estimating drywall or paint for a room.
- Logistics: Calculating the surface area of crates for waterproofing treatments.
- HVAC: Determining the surface area of rectangular ductwork.
- Aquariums: Calculating glass area for custom tank builds.
FAQs
What is the difference between Lateral and Total area?
Total Surface Area includes the top and bottom faces (ceiling and floor). Lateral Area includes only the vertical faces (walls). Use Lateral Area for painting walls.
Can I mix units?
Yes! Our calculator handles mixed units (e.g., width in inches, length in feet) seamlessly.
Conclusion
Whether you are a student, a contractor, or a business owner shipping products, the Cuboid Surface Area Calculator offers the precision and flexibility you need to measure any box-shaped object.
