Volume of cylinders

Stack circles to fill a cylinder.

Learning goal

A circular base is repeated

Calculate cylinder volume and distinguish diameter, radius and height.

A cylinder’s volume is V = πr²h: the area of its circular base multiplied by perpendicular height.

Predict · change · explain

Explore the dimensions

Predict first, then change one dimension. Diagrams are schematic; results use the entered values. Rounded values are marked ≈.

Read the measurements

Radius is half the diameter. Use a consistent unit for radius and height before calculating.

Use exact and approximate forms

An exact answer can contain π. For a decimal answer, use calculator precision and round only at the requested stage.

Follow the reasoning

Worked examples

Radius 3 cm, height 5 cm.

  1. V = π(3²)(5) = 45π cm³.
  2. That is approximately 141.37 cm³.

Diameter 8 m, height 2 m.

  1. The radius is 4 m.
  2. V = π(4²)(2) = 32π m³ ≈ 100.53 m³.

Guided Practice

A cylinder has radius 2 cm and height 6 cm. Give its exact volume.

A first hint

Find the area of the circular base, then multiply by height.

Compare your reasoning

V = π(2²)(6) = 24π cm³.

Practice

Fresh questions · useful feedback

Build fluency, one decision at a time.

Work through eight questions. Two independent correct answers introduce a harder version; supported answers bring the next question back to the foundation. You can use hints at any time.

0 of 8 questions completed

Enter a number, decimal or fraction such as −3/2. Leave out units and π. If asked for k in kπ, enter only k.

This round saves on this device. It is practice, not a school mark.

Connections

A cylinder’s radius doubles while height stays fixed. How does its volume change?

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