How to Calculate Volume

The simplest possible definition of 'volume' is the total space occupied by three-dimensional objects. The volume of various 3D objects can be calculated by the means of simple mathematics formulas. The answer is generally represented in the form of cubic meters, liters, milliliters etc.

Volume of Different Three-dimensional Objects

Cube: A cube is a three-dimensional figure with six equal sides. The formula to calculate the volume of a cube is a³, wherein 'a' refers to the length of the side. As all the sides of the cube are equal, you can measure any one side and multiply it thrice to get the volume of the cube. For instance if the side of the cube measures 10 inches, its volume will be 10 x 10 x 10.

Rectangular Solid: A rectangular solid or a cuboid is a three-dimensional figure with six faces. The formula to calculate the volume of a rectangle is l x w x h or length x width x height. In order to calculate its volume, you will have to measure its length, width and height. Supposing the length of the rectangle is 10 inches, while its width and height are 2 inches, its volume will be 10 x 2 x 2.

Sphere: A sphere is a three-dimensional closed figure, resembling a ball, in which every point on the surface is equidistant from the center. The formula to calculate the volume of a sphere is ⁴/₃ πr³, wherein π, pronounced as 'Pai', is standard 3.14 and r refers to the radius of the sphere. You will have to find the radius and cube it, i.e. multiply it thrice. Multiply the answer you get when you cube the radius with 4 and then divide it by 3. The last step is to multiply the answer by π.

Cylinder: A cylinder is a three-dimensional figure with two circular bases, two edges and 3 faces. The formula to calculate the volume of a cylinder is πr²h, wherein π refers to standard 3.14, r refers to the radius of the cylinder and h refers to its height. r² means the radius has to be squared or multiplied by itself. So the volume of a cylinder would be π multiplied by the height of the cylinder, multiplied by the result of squared radius.

Cone: A cone is a three-dimensional geometrical figure with a circular base and sides which taper at the apex. The formula to calculate the volume of a cone is ¹/₃ πr²h, wherein 'r' refers to the radius of the base of the cone and 'h' refers to its height. First of all, find the radius and square it, i.e. multiply it by itself. Secondly, find the height of the cone, and multiply it by π. Then multiply the squared radius with the answer you derive by multiplying height of the cone with π, and divide the answer by 3.

Though geometry may seem to be a bit difficult, and eludes even the brightest of minds, a little bit of interest from your side can make these volume formulas and diagrams quite interesting to learn.