Cylinder Surface Area Calculator
Find the total surface area of a cylinder from radius and height instantly with this free geometry calculator in your browser.
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Shape
Before you rely on this: First-pass guide only. Verify safety-critical or regulated work against the relevant standards, your project requirements and a qualified professional.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the radius and height.
- Press Calculate.
How it works
Total surface area = 2πr(r + height) — the two circles plus the curved side.
Worked example
radius 1 m, height 1 m. ≈ 12.57 m².
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the two circular ends — total area includes top, bottom and the side.
- Using diameter as radius.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate a cylinder's surface area?
Total = 2πr² (two ends) + 2πrh (the curved side) = 2πr(r + h). Drop the ends for an open tube.
What is the curved (lateral) surface area?
Just the side: 2 × π × radius × height — handy for working out how much label or wrap a can needs.
What if I only need the curved side, not the ends?
The curved (lateral) area is 2πr × height. This total adds the two end circles (2πr²) on top.
Related tools
- Cylinder Volume Calculator
- Circle Area Calculator
- Cone Surface Area Calculator
- Cube Surface Area Calculator
- Torus Volume Calculator
- Cone Volume Calculator
Explore more in Geometry, Shape, Area & Volume.
Cite this tool
Zerdly. (2026). Cylinder Surface Area Calculator. Retrieved from https://www.zerdly.com/tools/cylinder-surface-area-calculator/
Tip: Enter any known values to calculate the remaining results.
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