Volume

How the calculation works

Pick a solid (cuboid, cylinder, sphere, cone and others), enter the dimensions and get the volume in m³, litres and other units.

Formula and assumptions

Cuboid = a × b × c; cylinder = π × r² × h; sphere = 4/3 × π × r³; cone = ⅓ × π × r² × h. Conversions: 1 m³ = 1000 L = 1,000,000 cm³. Results are rounded only for display.

Worked example

Cylinder of radius 0.5 m and height 2 m: π × 0.5² × 2 = 1.5708 m³ ≈ 1571 L. Cuboid 4 × 5 × 0.3 m = 6 m³.

More worked examples

• Spherical tank of radius 0.5 m: 4/3 × π × 0.5³ = 0.5236 m³ ≈ 524 L.
• Cone-shaped pile of sand, radius 1 m and height 1.5 m: ⅓ × π × 1² × 1.5 = 1.5708 m³ ≈ 1571 L.

Cylinder volume by radius and height (m³)

What affects real consumption

• Measurement accuracy, especially of the radius (squared or cubed).
• The real shape deviates from the ideal solid.
• Input units: m, cm or feet.

Common mistakes

• Entering the diameter instead of the radius (the radius is half the diameter).
• Mixing units, e.g. the radius in cm and the height in m.
• Forgetting that the radius is squared (cylinder) or cubed (sphere), so a small error is amplified.

Frequently asked questions

How do I turn volume into litres?

Multiply m³ by 1000; 1 m³ = 1000 litres.

Can I use the result to order concrete?

For concrete use the concrete calculator, which adds a reserve and works out ingredients.

How do I get the radius from the diameter?

Divide the diameter by 2; a pipe or well 1 m across has a radius of 0.5 m.

How do I calculate the volume of a trench or pit?

Use the cuboid: length × width × depth. For sloped sides, split the pit into simpler solids.

Related calculators

• Concrete
• Surface Areas
• Ceramic Tiles
• Volume Unit Conversion