What is the formula for the volume of a cylinder?

The volume of a cylinder is pi times the radius squared, times the height. In symbols, V = pi r squared h. If you know the diameter, the radius is half the diameter.

How do I convert cubic metres to litres?

One cubic metre is 1,000 litres. So multiply cubic metres by 1,000 to get litres. A cylinder of 0.5 cubic metres holds 500 litres.

How do I find the volume of a tank or pipe?

A tank or pipe is a cylinder, so use the same formula. Measure the internal radius and the length or height, then multiply pi by the radius squared by the length. Use the internal measurements for capacity.

Cylinder Volume Calculator

Work out the volume of a cylinder, tank, pipe, or post hole. Enter the radius (or switch to diameter) and the height, choose your unit, and the calculator returns the volume in cubic metres, litres, and cubic centimetres. The formula is pi times the radius squared, times the height.

Measurement

Radius / diameter

Height

Units

1.571 m³

Litres1,570.8

Cubic centimetres1,570,796

The formula

The volume of a cylinder is pi times the radius squared, times the height (V = pi r squared h). If you have the diameter, halve it to get the radius. All measurements must be in the same unit before you multiply, and the calculator converts your input to metres first.

Worked example

A water tank has a radius of 0.5 m and a height of 2 m. The volume is pi times 0.5 squared times 2, which is about 1.571 cubic metres, or 1,571 litres.

Frequently asked questions

How many litres in a cubic metre?

1,000. Multiply cubic metres by 1,000 to get litres.

Radius or diameter?

Either works. Switch the dropdown to diameter if that is what you measured, and the calculator halves it for you.

Related calculators

Cubic Metre Calculator: volume of a box shape.
Volume Conversion Calculator: convert volume units.
Square Metre Calculator: area in square metres.
Concrete Calculator: concrete volume and bags.

Calculate.co.nz is partnered with Interest.co.nz for New Zealand's highest quality calculators and financial analysis.

All calculators and tools are provided for educational and indicative purposes only and do not constitute financial advice.

Calculate.co.nz is proudly part of the Realtor.co.nz group, New Zealand's leading property transaction literacy platform, helping Kiwis understand the home buying and selling process from start to finish. Whether you're a first home buyer navigating your first property purchase, an investor evaluating your next acquisition, or a homeowner planning to sell, Realtor.co.nz provides clear, independent, and trustworthy guidance on every step of the New Zealand property transaction journey.

Calculate.co.nz is also partnered with Health Based Building and Premium Homes to promote informed choices that lead to better long-term outcomes for Kiwi households.

All content on this website, including calculators, tools, source code, and design, is protected under the Copyright Act 1994 (New Zealand). No part of this site may be reproduced, copied, distributed, stored, or used in any form without prior written permission from the owner.