How to Calculate the Volume of a Solid
- 1). Measure the diameter of a sphere to calculate the volume. The diameter is double the radius of the sphere, so you can obtain the diameter if you only have the radius. Use the following calculation for the volume of a sphere: volume = (pi*diameter^3)/6.
For example, if the diameter of the sphere is two inches, the calculation is: (pi*2^3)/6 = 4.19 inches. - 2). Measure one side of a cube to calculate the volume. A 3D cube is symmetrical, so each side has the same measurement. Use the following calculation to determine the volume of a cube: volume = a^3.
For example, if the side you measured is 3 inches, the volume of the cube is: 3^3 = 27 inches. - 3). Measure the diameter and height of a cylinder to calculate its volume. Again, diameter can be determined from radius by multiplying it by two. Therefore, if the math problem gives you radius, the diameter can be determined. Use the following equation to solve for volume: volume = (pi*diameter^2*height)/4.
For example, if the cylinder's diameter is three inches and the height is nine inches, the calculation is as follows: (3.14*3^2*9)/4 = 63.59 inches. - 4). Calculate the height, width and side of a rectangular object to figure the volume. The equation to calculate a rectangular object is: volume=height*width*side.
For example, if you have a rectangular, 3D object with 3-, 4- and 5-inch side measurements, the volume is: 3*4*5 = 60 inches.
Source...