Volume Calculator
Calculate the volume of cubes, spheres, cylinders, cones, and other 3D shapes.
About Volume Calculator
A volume calculator computes the volume of common three-dimensional shapes including cubes, rectangular prisms, spheres, cylinders, cones, and pyramids. Volume measures the three-dimensional space occupied by an object and is used in construction, engineering, cooking, shipping, and science. Understanding volume calculations helps you determine how much liquid a container holds, how much concrete is needed for a project, or how much space an object occupies.
How to Use
Select the 3D shape and enter the required dimensions (radius, height, length, width, etc.). The calculator instantly displays the volume in cubic units. For containers, it may also show equivalent capacities in liters and gallons for practical liquid volume reference.
Formula / Key Equations
Cube: V = s cubed. Rectangular prism: V = l × w × h. Sphere: V = (4/3) × pi × r cubed. Cylinder: V = pi × r squared × h. Cone: V = (1/3) × pi × r squared × h. Pyramid: V = (1/3) × base area × h.
Common Use Cases
Calculating how much concrete to order for a construction project. Determining the capacity of a swimming pool or water tank. Estimating shipping box volume for freight calculations. Computing cooking and baking measurements for different container sizes. Science experiments involving liquid displacement.
Limitations
The calculator assumes perfect geometric shapes — real containers may have slightly irregular dimensions. Wall thickness is not accounted for (for container capacity, use interior dimensions). For complex shapes, break them into simpler shapes and combine volumes. Conversions between cubic units and liters/gallons are approximate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between volume and capacity?
Volume is the amount of three-dimensional space occupied by an object (measured in cubic units). Capacity refers to how much a container can hold, typically measured in liters or gallons for liquids. They are related but capacity specifically refers to the interior volume of containers.
How do I convert cubic units to liters?
1 cubic meter = 1,000 liters. 1 cubic foot = 28.317 liters. 1 US gallon = 3.785 liters. 1 liter = 1,000 cubic centimeters (or 1 cubic decimeter). Our calculator shows both cubic units and approximate liquid equivalents.
How do I calculate the volume of an irregular object?
Use the water displacement method: fill a container with water, measure the volume, submerge the object, and measure the new volume. The difference is the object's volume. This is based on Archimedes' principle and works for any object that fits in the container.
Does wall thickness affect volume calculations?
Yes. For container capacity, use interior dimensions (inside measurements). For shipping or storage volume, use exterior dimensions. The calculator computes geometric volume based on the dimensions you enter, so choose interior or exterior depending on your use case.
Why is the cone volume formula divided by 3?
A cone has exactly one-third the volume of a cylinder with the same base and height. You can prove this by calculus (integration) or by a physical demonstration: a cone-shaped container fills exactly 3 times into a matching cylinder. The factor of 1/3 appears in pyramid volumes for the same reason.
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