Equation of a Sphere Calculator

Find sphere equations, center coordinates, radius, and geometric properties

Calculate Sphere Equation

Enter Center Coordinates and Radius

Enter Values

Please enter valid values to calculate sphere properties.

Example Calculation

Given Center and Radius

Center: (3, 7, 5)

Radius: 10

Standard Form:

(x-3)² + (y-7)² + (z-5)² = 100

Surface Area: 4π(10)² = 400π ≈ 1256.6

Volume: (4/3)π(10)³ = 4000π/3 ≈ 4188.8

Sphere Equation Forms

Standard Form

(x-h)² + (y-k)² + (z-l)² = r²

Center: (h,k,l), Radius: r

Expanded Form

x² + y² + z² + Ex + Fy + Gz + H = 0

Center: (-E/2, -F/2, -G/2)

Quick Tips

A sphere is the set of all points equidistant from a center point

The center coordinates determine sphere position in 3D space

Radius must be positive for a valid sphere

Surface area = 4πr², Volume = (4/3)πr³

Understanding Sphere Equations

What is a Sphere Equation?

The equation of a sphere represents all points in 3D space that are equidistant from a center point. The standard form clearly shows the center coordinates and radius, making it easy to visualize the sphere's position and size.

Standard Form

(x - h)² + (y - k)² + (z - l)² = r²

  • (h, k, l): Center coordinates
  • r: Radius of the sphere
  • (x, y, z): Any point on the sphere

Expanded Form

x² + y² + z² + Ex + Fy + Gz + H = 0

The expanded form is obtained by expanding the standard form. To convert back to standard form, we use the completing the square method:

  • Center: (-E/2, -F/2, -G/2)
  • Radius: √((E² + F² + G²)/4 - H)

Note: For a valid sphere, (E² + F² + G²)/4 - H must be positive.

From Diameter Endpoints

If you know the endpoints of a diameter, you can find the sphere equation:

  1. 1. Find the center as the midpoint of the diameter
  2. 2. Calculate radius as half the diameter length
  3. 3. Use the center and radius in standard form

From Center and Point

If you know the center and any point on the sphere:

  1. 1. Use the distance formula to find radius
  2. 2. r = √[(x₁-h)² + (y₁-k)² + (z₁-l)²]
  3. 3. Substitute into standard form equation