Cylinder Surface Area Calculator
Calculate the total surface area of a cylinder including both circular bases. Formula: A = 2 x pi x r x (r + h). Enter radius and height for instant results.
How to use this tool
- Enter radius and height in the fields above.
- Results update instantly as you type โ or click Calculate.
- Read your total surface area and the full breakdown beneath it.
Formula
A = 2 x pi x r x (r + h)
How it works
Total area = two circular ends + lateral side: A = 2ฯr(r + h). Lateral only: Alat = 2ฯrh.
Worked example
Cylinder r=3, h=7
- r = 3, h = 7
- Lateral = 2 x pi x 3 x 7 = 42 x pi = 131.9469...
- Bases = 2 x pi x 9 = 18 x pi = 56.5486...
- Total = 131.9469 + 56.5486 = 188.4955...
Total Surface Area = 188.4956 square units
Common mistakes to avoid
- Omitting the two circular base areas and computing only the lateral area (2 x pi x r x h) instead of the total surface area 2 x pi x r x (r + h).
- Entering the diameter instead of the radius for r, doubling the result.
- Confusing surface area (square units) with volume (pi x r^2 x h); both use r and h but produce different quantities.
Key terms
- What is lateral surface area?
- The area of the curved side only, excluding the top and bottom circles.
- What is total surface area?
- The combined area of both circular ends and the curved lateral surface.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between lateral and total surface area of a cylinder?
- Lateral surface area is just the curved side: 2 x pi x r x h. Total surface area adds the two circular bases: 2 x pi x r^2. Combined: 2 x pi x r x (r + h).
- How do I find the volume of a cylinder?
- V = pi x r^2 x h. This calculator returns surface area only; use a cylinder volume calculator for V.
- I need to wrap a label around a can. Should I use total or lateral surface area?
- Use the lateral surface area (2 x pi x r x h) for the label, since it covers only the curved side.