Pyramid Volume and Surface Area Calculator

A square pyramid is a solid with a square base and four triangular faces that rise to meet at a single point called the apex. It is one of the most recognised shapes in geometry, appearing in ancient architecture, roof design, packaging, and models. This calculator takes just two inputs, the length of the square base edge and the vertical height, and returns all four key measurements: volume, slant height, lateral surface area, and total surface area. Volume is one third of the base area times the height, a rule that applies to every type of pyramid and cone. The slant height is the distance from the apex down the centre of one triangular face to the midpoint of the base edge, found using Pythagoras from the vertical height and half the base edge length. The lateral surface area is the combined area of the four triangular faces only, useful when you are cladding or tiling the slopes without covering the base. The total surface area adds the square base to the lateral area. Enter any positive base edge and height and the calculator updates instantly. The units are consistent throughout: if you enter dimensions in metres, the volume comes back in cubic metres and the areas in square metres. Use this tool for geometry homework, architecture and construction estimates, model making, and any problem where you need the measurements of a pyramidal shape quickly and accurately. The formulas and a worked example are set out below.

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