Surface Area of a Cylinder Calculator

Surface Area of a Cylinder

A right circular cylinder has two congruent circular bases and one curved lateral surface. When unrolled, the lateral surface forms a rectangle with width $2\pi r$ and height $h$.

$$A_t = 2\pi r^2 + 2\pi r h = 2\pi r(r + h)$$

The first term $2\pi r^2$ is the combined area of both circular bases. The second term $2\pi r h$ is the lateral (curved) surface area.

Example

A cylinder with radius 3 cm and height 8 cm has:

$$A_t = 2\pi \times 3 \times (3 + 8) = 66\pi \approx 207.35 \text{ cm}^2$$

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lateral surface area of a cylinder?

The lateral surface area is the area of the curved side only, given by $2\pi r h$. It does not include the two circular ends.

How do I find surface area from diameter?

Divide the diameter by 2 to get the radius, then use $A_t = 2\pi r(r + h)$.

Does this work for oblique cylinders?

This calculator is for right circular cylinders where the bases are parallel and perpendicular to the axis. Oblique cylinders require different formulas.

What is the base surface area?

The base surface area refers to both circular ends combined: $2\pi r^2$.

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Surface Area of Cylinder Calculator