Skip to content
← All study notes

Cylinder and Cone Volume Comparison

Quick answer: A cylinder has volume πr²h; a cone has volume πr²h/3. With the same base radius and perpendicular height, the cone holds one third as much as the cylinder.

Worked example

Compare a cylinder and cone with r = 3 cm and h = 8 cm.

  1. Base area = π×3² = 9π cm².
  2. Cylinder volume = 9π×8 = 72π cm³.
  3. Cone volume = 72π/3 = 24π cm³.
  4. Cylinder:cone volume ratio is 3:1.

Check the result

Three such cone volumes equal the cylinder volume: 3×24π = 72π.

Stuck on a question? Ask it here and get a step-by-step answer in seconds — pay only per answer, no subscription. Ask your doubt now →

Common mistake to avoid

Use perpendicular height, not a cone's slant height. The 3:1 ratio applies only when both radius and height match.

Try it yourself

1. Find cone volume for r = 2 cm, h = 9 cm. 2. What happens to cylinder volume when radius doubles and height stays fixed?

Answers and reasoning

1. π×4×9/3 = 12π cm³. 2. It becomes four times as large because radius is squared.

Need help with your own attempt? Ask a study question. AI answers require an account and paid credits. Check important steps with your textbook or teacher.

Stuck on a question? Ask it here and get a step-by-step answer in seconds — pay only per answer, no subscription. Ask your doubt now →