How to Calculate the Volume of a Cone

A cone is a three-dimensional shape that has 2 faces, 1 base, 1 vertex and 1 edge. The formula for the volume of a cone can be determined from the volume formula for a cylinder--in fact, you follow the exact same formula, and then you divide your answer by 3. You can calculate the volume of a cone using these simple steps.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Formula for volume of a cone, V = (Pi)(h)(r)(r)/3
• Calculator (if needed)
• Cone

1. Measure the height (h) of the cone.

2. Measure the radius (r) of the cone. Radius is the distance from the outer edge to the center of the circle.

3. Multiply the height by Pi.

4. Square the radius. (Multiply it by itself.)

5. Multiply the product from Step 3 by the product from Step 4.

6. Divide the product of Step 5 by 3.

7. Write your answer in the proper cubic unit of measurement.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you use the same unit of measurement for each dimension.