
Math Education
Volume of a Cylinder Formula: How to Calculate & Examples

Dewi Lestari
Mathematics Specialist

The volume of a cylinder formula is V = π × r² × t, where r is the base radius and t is the height. Volume is the amount of space inside the cylinder, measured in cubic units (cm³, m³). π ≈ 3.14 or 22/7.
How to Calculate the Volume of a Cylinder + Example
Steps:
- Find the base radius (r) and the height (t).
- Square the radius (r²).
- Multiply by π and the height: V = π × r² × t.
Worked Example: A milk can shaped like a cylinder has a radius of 7 cm and a height of 10 cm. What is its volume? (π = 22/7)
Solution: V = (22/7) × 7² × 10 = (22/7) × 49 × 10 = 22 × 7 × 10 = 1,540 cm³
So the volume of the can is 1,540 cm³.
Why It Matters for Students
The volume of a cylinder is part of the Curved Solids topic in Grade 9 and often appears in school and national exams. Understanding it helps children solve real problems — finding the capacity of a water tank, can, glass, or drum.
Fun fact: The volume of a cylinder equals the base area (πr²) times the height. A cone with the same radius and height holds only ⅓ of a cylinder's volume.
Also learn other solids: Volume of a Cube, Volume of a Cuboid, Volume of a Cone, and Volume of a Sphere. See also Surface Area of a Cylinder and all topics in the Mathematics hub.
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