Cylinder Calculator
Surface Area, Volume for Tanks & Pipes.
Work Shown
From soda cans to industrial storage tanks, cylinders are everywhere. Calculating their surface area is crucial for determining material needs—like the amount of metal for a can or the amount of paint for a pipe.
The Cylinder Surface Area Calculator is a professional-grade tool that handles standard cylinders, open-top tanks, and even hollow pipes.
Three Calculation Modes
1. Standard Cylinder: Calculates the full surface area (Top + Bottom + Side). Perfect for closed cans or solid rods.
2. Open Tank: Excludes the top circle. Ideal for buckets, cups, or open water tanks.
3. Hollow Pipe: The most advanced mode. Calculates the Outer Surface, Inner Surface, and the Rim area (thickness). Essential for pipe coating or insulation.
Key Features
– Radius or Diameter: Toggle easily between “Radius” and “Diameter” inputs—no need to divide by 2 in your head.
– Volume Calculation: Automatically computes volume along with area, so you know the tank capacity instantly.
– Dynamic SVG: An interactive diagram updates real-time to show your cylinder’s proportions.
– Inner/Outer Dimensions: In “Pipe” mode, you can specify differing inner and outer measurements to account for wall thickness.
How to Use
1. Choose Mode: Select Standard, Open Tank, or Hollow Pipe.
2. Input Dimensions: Enter the Radius (or Diameter) and Height. For pipes, enter both Inner and Outer dimensions.
3. Select Units: Choose inches, feet, meters, etc.
4. View Results: See the broken-down areas (Lateral, Base) and the Total Surface Area.
Formulas
Lateral Surface Area (LSA):
LSA = 2 × π × r × h
*This is the area of the curved side.*
Base Area:
Base = π × r²
Total Surface Area (TSA):
– Standard: LSA + 2(Base)
– Open Tank: LSA + 1(Base)
– Pipe: LSA(outer) + LSA(inner) + 2(Ring Area)
Real-World Applications
– Manufacturing: Estimating sheet metal for ductwork or tanks.
– Plumbing: Calculating usage of pipe insulation or protective coatings.
– Design: Creating labels for bottles or cans (Lateral Area).
FAQs
How do I find the label size?
The size of a label wrapping around a cylinder is simply the Lateral Surface Area. The width of the label is the circumference (2πr) and the height is the cylinder height (h).
Does this calculate volume too?
Yes! The tool automatically displays the volume (capacity) in cubic units.
Conclusion
The Cylinder Surface Area Calculator is versatile enough for students and engineers alike. By distinguishing between solid, open, and hollow forms, it ensures you get the right number for your specific project.
