Volume of prisms and cylinders

Math

Definition

The volume of a prism or cylinder is found by multiplying the area of the base by the height of the solid. Prisms have polygonal bases while cylinders have circular bases, but both use the same fundamental approach.

Examples

  • A rectangular prism with base 4 × 5 and height 6 has volume = 4 × 5 × 6 = 120 cubic units
  • A cylinder with radius 3 and height 10 has volume = π(3²)(10) = 90π cubic units
  • A triangular prism with base area 12 cm² and height 8 cm has volume = 96 cm³
Key Fact

V = Bh (prisms); V = πr²h (cylinders), where B is the area of the base

Related Terms

Surface area Volume of pyramids and cones Area of polygons Circles and circumference

Study This Concept

Practice volume of prisms and cylinders with free review games in these units:

Geometry Unit 10: Area and Volume