1. What is a Volume Calculator?

Definition: This calculator computes the volume of either rectangular prisms or cylinders based on their dimensions.

Purpose: It helps students, engineers, and professionals quickly determine the space occupied by three-dimensional objects.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses one of two formulas depending on the shape selected:

Where:

• For rectangular shapes:
  • \( L \) — Length
  • \( W \) — Width
  • \( H \) — Height
• For cylindrical shapes:
  • \( r \) — Radius
  • \( h \) — Height
• \( V \) — Volume (cubic units)

3. Importance of Volume Calculation

Details: Volume calculations are fundamental in mathematics, physics, engineering, and many practical applications like container sizing, material estimation, and fluid dynamics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

1. Select the shape (rectangular or cylindrical)
2. Enter the required dimensions (all values must be > 0)
3. Click Calculate to get the volume

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units should I use?
A: You can use any consistent units (meters, feet, inches, etc.), just ensure all dimensions use the same unit.

Q2: How precise are the calculations?
A: Results are accurate to 3 decimal places. π is approximated as 3.14159265359.

Q3: Can I calculate volume for other shapes?
A: This calculator currently supports only rectangular prisms and cylinders.

Q4: Why does cylindrical volume use radius instead of diameter?
A: The standard formula uses radius. If you have diameter, divide it by 2 first.

Q5: How do I calculate volume for irregular shapes?
A: For complex shapes, you might need integration or water displacement methods.