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Cylinder Calculator
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💡 Expert Tips
Think of it as a Stack of Circles
The volume formula V = πr²h is intuitive. πr² is the area of one circle (the base). Multiplying by 'h' just stacks those circles up to the height of the cylinder.
Lateral Area = Rectangle
If you "unroll" the curved side of a cylinder, it becomes a rectangle. The width is the circumference (2πr) and the height is 'h'. That's why Lateral Area = 2πrh.
Liquid Volume
If you're calculating tank capacity, remember: 1 cubic foot ≈ 7.48 gallons, and 1 cubic meter = 1000 liters.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Squaring the Height
In the volume formula πr²h, only the radius (r) is squared. The height (h) is not. Don't square the height!
Using Diameter
Always check if you have radius or diameter. If given diameter, divide by 2 first. Using diameter directly in πr²h will give you 4x the correct volume.
Forgetting the Bases
When calculating total surface area, don't forget to add the top and bottom circles (2πr²) to the lateral area (2πrh).