Surface Area Calculator
Calculate the total surface area of 3D shapes including cubes, spheres, cylinders, cones, pyramids, and prisms. Enter your dimensions and get instant results with formulas.
How the surface area calculator works
This calculator computes the total surface area of common three-dimensional shapes using standard geometric formulas. Surface area is the sum of the areas of all faces or curved surfaces of a 3D object, measured in square units (cm², m², in², ft²).
Select a shape from the options below, enter the required dimensions (length, width, height, radius, or side length), and the calculator will instantly display the total surface area along with the formula used and a step-by-step breakdown.
Step 1: Shape & Dimensions
Understanding Surface Area
Surface area is the total area of all outer surfaces of a 3D shape. It’s useful for painting, wrapping, coating, and material estimation. Results are shown in square units.
Step 2: Options
Surface Area Formulas
Cube: SA = 6a², where a = side length
Surface Area Results
Total Surface Area
Shape Comparison
| Shape | Dimensions | Surface Area | Formula |
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Formula & Step-by-Step Breakdown
Step-by-Step Calculation
Select a shape and enter dimensions, then click Calculate to see the full breakdown here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is surface area?
Surface area is the total area that the surface of a three-dimensional object occupies. It is measured in square units such as cm², m², or ft². Surface area is used in many real-world applications including painting, packaging, and material estimation.
How do you calculate the surface area of a cube?
The surface area of a cube is 6 × a², where ‘a’ is the length of one side. For example, a cube with side length 5 cm has a surface area of 6 × 25 = 150 cm².
What is the formula for the surface area of a sphere?
The surface area of a sphere is 4 × π × r², where ‘r’ is the radius. For a sphere with radius 7 cm, the surface area is 4 × π × 49 ≈ 615.75 cm².
How do you find the surface area of a cylinder?
The surface area of a cylinder is 2 × π × r × (r + h), where ‘r’ is the radius and ‘h’ is the height. This includes both circular bases and the lateral surface.
What is the difference between surface area and volume?
Surface area measures the total area of all outer surfaces of a 3D shape, while volume measures the amount of space the shape occupies. Surface area is in square units, volume in cubic units.
What is a rectangular prism (cuboid) surface area formula?
The surface area of a rectangular prism (cuboid) is 2(lw + lh + wh), where l = length, w = width, and h = height.
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