Cylinder Surface Area Calculator
Calculate the surface area of a cylinder by entering the radius and height. A cylinder has circular bases and curved sides.
🥫 Cylinder Surface Area
Formula
Cylinder Surface Area Formulas
Total Surface Area
Includes both circular bases and the curved surface
Lateral Surface Area
Only the curved surface, excluding the bases
Base Area
Area of each circular base
Volume
Volume of the cylinder
Cylinder Surface Area Examples
Example 1: Small Cylinder
Given: Radius = 2 cm, Height = 5 cm
Formula: SA = 2πr(r + h)
Solution: SA = 2π × 2 × (2 + 5) = 4π × 7 = 28π ≈ 87.96 cm²
Example 2: Medium Cylinder
Given: Radius = 3 cm, Height = 8 cm
Formula: SA = 2πr(r + h)
Solution: SA = 2π × 3 × (3 + 8) = 6π × 11 = 66π ≈ 207.35 cm²
Example 3: Large Cylinder
Given: Radius = 5 cm, Height = 12 cm
Formula: SA = 2πr(r + h)
Solution: SA = 2π × 5 × (5 + 12) = 10π × 17 = 170π ≈ 534.07 cm²
Cylinder Surface Area FAQ
What is a cylinder?
A cylinder is a 3D shape with two parallel circular bases connected by a curved surface. Common examples include cans, pipes, and tubes.
How do you calculate cylinder surface area?
Total surface area uses SA = 2πr(r + h), which includes both bases and the curved surface. Lateral surface area uses LSA = 2πrh for just the curved part.
What's the difference between total and lateral surface area?
Total surface area includes the circular bases, while lateral surface area only includes the curved side surface.
How is the cylinder formula derived?
It's the sum of two circular bases (2 × πr²) plus the lateral surface (2πrh). Combined: 2πr² + 2πrh = 2πr(r + h).