Surface Area Calculator
Calculate surface area of various 3D shapes including spheres, cubes, cylinders, cones, and prisms
Calculate Surface Area
Surface Area Formulas
Surface Area Tips
Surface area is always measured in square units
Lateral area excludes the base and top surfaces
For hollow shapes, calculate inner and outer surfaces
Double-check units are consistent across all dimensions
Understanding Surface Area
What is Surface Area?
Surface area is the total area that the surface of a 3D object occupies. It represents the sum of all the areas of the faces or surfaces that bound the solid. Surface area is measured in square units (cm², m², ft², etc.).
Types of Surface Area
- •Total Surface Area: Sum of all surface areas
- •Lateral Surface Area: Area of sides (excluding bases)
- •Base Area: Area of the base(s) only
Common Applications
- •Material estimation for manufacturing
- •Paint coverage calculations
- •Heat transfer analysis
- •Packaging design
- •Architecture and construction
Pro Tip: When dealing with composite shapes, break them down into simpler geometric forms and calculate each surface area separately.
Shape-Specific Formulas
Sphere
A perfectly round 3D object
r = radius
Cube
6 equal square faces
a = side length
Cylinder
Circular bases with curved side
r = radius, h = height
Cone
Circular base with pointed top
r = radius, h = height
Rectangular Prism
Box with rectangular faces
l = length, w = width, h = height
Square Pyramid
Square base with triangular faces
l = base side, h = height