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Simple Calculators

Volume Calculator

Calculate the volume of any 3D shape with instant unit conversion

Volume Calculator

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Quick summary

A volume calculator finds the amount of 3D space enclosed by a shape. Volume is measured in cubic units (cm³, m³, ft³) or capacity units (liters, gallons). Different shapes have different formulas based on their geometry.

Reviewed by Simple Calculators TeamLast reviewed

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter the inputs requested by the calculator.
  2. Choose the units or options that match your situation and review the assumptions.
  3. Run or update the calculation to see the result.
  4. Review the result, breakdown, and formulas shown on the page.
  5. Check the inputs, units, dates, and limitations before saving or sharing the result.

Volume Formulas & Examples

Sphere

V=43πr3V = \frac{4}{3} \pi r^3
r
Radius of the sphere

Worked example

Sphere with radius 5 cm

Given
r = 5 cm
Calculation
V=43×π×53V = \frac{4}{3} \times \pi \times 5^3
Result
≈ 523.60 cm³

Cylinder

V=πr2hV = \pi r^2 h
r
Radius of the base
h
Height of the cylinder

Worked example

Cylinder with radius 4 cm, height 10 cm

Given
r = 4 cm
h = 10 cm
Calculation
V=π×42×10V = \pi \times 4^2 \times 10
Result
≈ 502.65 cm³

Cone

V=13πr2hV = \frac{1}{3} \pi r^2 h
r
Radius of the base
h
Height of the cone

Worked example

Cone with radius 3 cm, height 8 cm

Given
r = 3 cm
h = 8 cm
Calculation
V=13×π×32×8V = \frac{1}{3} \times \pi \times 3^2 \times 8
Result
≈ 75.40 cm³

Frequently asked questions

What is the formula for the volume of a sphere?

V = (4/3) × π × r³, where r is the radius. For example, a sphere with radius 5 cm has volume = (4/3) × π × 125 ≈ 523.60 cm³.

How many liters are in a cubic meter?

1 cubic meter (m³) = 1,000 liters. So a 2 m³ tank holds 2,000 liters. The calculator performs all these conversions automatically.

What is the difference between volume and capacity?

Volume is the 3D space a solid object occupies. Capacity is the amount of substance a container can hold (usually a liquid or gas). For practical purposes they are equal for hollow containers.

How do I calculate the volume of an irregular shape?

For irregular shapes, use water displacement: submerge the object in water and measure the rise in water level. Alternatively, decompose the shape into standard geometric shapes and sum their volumes.

Key terms

Volume
The measure of 3D space occupied by an object, expressed in cubic units.
Radius
The distance from the center of a circle or sphere to its surface.
Height
The perpendicular distance between the base and top of a 3D shape.
Cubic Units
Units for measuring volume: cm³, m³, ft³, in³, etc.

Methodology, sources & limitations

This page shows the formula, assumptions, and limitations used for this estimate. Rates, thresholds, and other time-sensitive inputs can change, so verify them against the relevant official source before relying on a result.

For our review approach and the primary sources we consult, see the methodology and source policy. If you spot an outdated figure or formula, please contact us with a correction.