How it works
Closed: A = 2πr² + 2πrh. One end open: A = πr² + 2πrh. Both ends open: A = 2πrh.
- Choose radius or diameter and enter the height or length.
- Use one length unit for every measurement.
- Select the ends included and read the area breakdown.
Worked example: With radius 3 cm and height 5 cm, the curved area is 30π cm² and each end is 9π cm². A closed cylinder has 48π cm², or 150.7964 cm². Opening one end gives 39π cm², or 122.5221 cm².
Example cylinder surface areas
| Measured by | Surface | Selected surface area | Lateral (curved) area | Exact area in terms of π | Measurements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radius | Closed | 150.7964 cm² | 94.2478 cm² (30π cm²) | 48π cm² | r 3, h 5 cm |
| Radius | Closed | 12.5664 cm² | 6.2832 cm² (2π cm²) | 4π cm² | r 1, h 1 cm |
| Diameter | Closed | 785.3982 cm² | 628.3185 cm² (200π cm²) | 250π cm² | d 10, h 20 cm |
| Radius | One open | 392.6991 cm² | 314.1593 cm² (100π cm²) | 125π cm² | r 5, h 10 cm |
| Radius | Both open | 376.9911 cm² | 376.9911 cm² (120π cm²) | 120π cm² | r 2, h 30 cm |
Swipe the table sideways to see the rest.
Things to consider
- Paint or label wrapping uses the curved area.
- A label is a rectangle 2πr wide and h tall.
- Sheet metal for an open-top tank includes one end.
- Add an overlap allowance for seams and labels.
- A real pipe has inner walls and end rims not included here.
Frequently asked questions
What is the surface area formula for a cylinder?
The curved area is 2πrh and one circular end is πr². A closed cylinder includes two ends: 2πr² + 2πrh. An open-top cylinder includes one end: πr² + 2πrh. With both ends open, use 2πrh.
What is the difference between lateral and total surface area?
Lateral area means the curved side only. Total area adds whichever circular ends are present. Unrolling the side gives a rectangle of width 2πr and height h, useful for paint or labels.
How do I use the diameter?
Choose Diameter and enter the distance across the circle. The calculator divides it by 2 before using the surface formula. A diameter of 10 means a radius of 5.
How is surface area different from volume?
Surface area measures the outside covering in square units. Volume measures the space inside in cubic units. Use the Cylinder Volume Calculator for capacity rather than paint or sheet material.
What units does cylinder surface area use?
Surface area uses square length units. Measurements in centimetres give cm², while metres give m². One m² equals 10,000 cm² and one ft² equals 144 in². The Area Calculator covers other shapes.
Results are estimates for general information only, not financial, medical or professional advice.