Cylinder Surface Area Calculator
Total and lateral area, volume and paint coverage.
Enter your values
Enter the radius in units.
Enter the height in units.
Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.
- Total surface area
- 534.0708 sq units
- Lateral (side) area
- 376.9911 sq units
- One base area
- 78.5398 sq units
- Volume
- 942.4778 cubic units
- Circumference
- 31.4159
- Open-top area
- 455.5309 sq units
Quick answer
A cylinder's total surface area is 2πr² + 2πrh — the two circular ends plus the wrapped rectangle of the side.
A = 2πr² + 2πrh
At a glance
| What it does | Total and lateral area, volume and paint coverage. |
|---|---|
| Category | Math |
| Inputs needed | Radius, Height |
| Main output | Total surface area |
| Formula | A = 2πr² + 2πrh |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Cylinder Surface Area Calculator
- 1Enter the radius of the circular base.
- 2Enter the height of the cylinder.
- 3Use the open-top figure for tanks and cans without a lid.
Inputs explained
- Radius(units)
- Enter the radius in units.
- Height(units)
- Enter the height in units.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Radius5 units
- Height12 units
Results
- Total surface area534.0708 sq units
- Lateral (side) area376.9911 sq units
- One base area78.5398 sq units
- Volume942.4778 cubic units
- Circumference31.4159
- Open-top area455.5309 sq units
Frequently asked questions
How much paint will I need?
Divide the relevant area by the coverage rate on the tin, then add about 10% for a second coat on porous surfaces.
What if I only know the diameter?
Halve it — the radius is always half the diameter.
What do I need to enter into the Cylinder Surface Area Calculator?
Just 2 values: radius, height. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.
How does the Cylinder Surface Area Calculator work out the answer?
A cylinder's total surface area is 2πr² + 2πrh — the two circular ends plus the wrapped rectangle of the side. It applies the formula A = 2πr² + 2πrh and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Cylinder Surface Area Calculator free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.