Capsule Volume Calculator
Work out the volume of a capsule — a cylinder capped with a hemisphere on each end — from just the radius and the straight (cylindrical) section length. Results come in cubic metres and litres, plus the overall length of the shape.
Enter Values
How to use this calculator
- Enter the radius of the capsule in metres (the same radius applies to the barrel and both end caps).
- Enter the length of the straight cylindrical section (not counting the rounded ends).
- Read the capsule volume in cubic metres and litres, and the total end-to-end length.
How it works
A capsule is a cylinder with a hemispherical cap on each end. The two hemispheres share the barrel's radius, so together they form one complete sphere. The volume is therefore the cylinder plus a sphere: V = π·r²·L + (4/3)·π·r³. The total length adds the two hemispherical caps (each of length r) to the straight section: L + 2r.
Worked example
Worked example. For a radius of 1 m and a cylindrical length of 4 m: cylinder = π×1²×4 = 12.566 m³, sphere = (4/3)×π×1³ = 4.189 m³, so V = 16.76 m³ (16,755.16 L). The total length is 4 + 2×1 = 6 m.
Common mistakes
- Entering the total (end-to-end) length instead of just the straight cylindrical section — the caps are added separately.
- Using the diameter in place of the radius.
- Assuming the ends are flat — a capsule has hemispherical ends, which add a full sphere of volume.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a capsule and a cylinder?
A cylinder has flat ends; a capsule replaces each flat end with a hemisphere of the same radius, adding one whole sphere of volume overall.
How many litres are in the result?
There are 1,000 litres in a cubic metre, so the tool multiplies the m³ volume by 1,000 to give the litre figure automatically.
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Tip: Enter any known values to calculate the remaining results.
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