Concrete Cylinder Volume Calculator
This calculator computes the volume and estimated material requirements for a concrete cylinder using the geometric formula for a right circular cylinder. Enter the cylinder diameter and height in any common unit and select the input unit; the tool reports volumes in cubic metres, cubic feet, cubic yards, and litres, and estimates mass and bag counts using an adjustable density.
Results are suitable for laboratory specimen preparation, small-formwork pours, and quick supply estimates. For specification or structural design use, cross-check with project documents, material supplier data, and applicable standards (test specimen tolerances, curing, and mix design).
Inputs
Results
Volume (m³)
0.0053
Volume (ft³)
0.1872
Volume (yd³)
0.0069
Volume (L)
5.3014
Estimated mass (kg)
12.7235
Estimated mass (short tons)
0.014
Equivalent 80 lb bags (approx.)
0.3506
| Output | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Volume (m³) | 0.0053 | m³ |
| Volume (ft³) | 0.1872 | ft³ |
| Volume (yd³) | 0.0069 | yd³ |
| Volume (L) | 5.3014 | L |
| Estimated mass (kg) | 12.7235 | kg |
| Estimated mass (short tons) | 0.014 | short tons |
| Equivalent 80 lb bags (approx.) | 0.3506 | bags (80 lb) |
Visualization
Methodology
We calculate geometric volume using V = π × r² × h where r = diameter/2. The calculator accepts diameter and height in common units and converts the computed cubic units to cubic metres using a unit factor.
Mass estimates use the user-supplied concrete density (default 2400 kg/m³, a typical value for normal-weight concrete). Bag counts use an 80 lb bag mass converted to kilograms (80 lb ≈ 36.287389374 kg).
Recommended practice: measure diameter and height with calibrated instruments, record units clearly, and include a production waste margin (commonly 5–10%) when ordering materials.
Expert Q&A
What input units are supported and how is unit conversion handled?
Enter diameter and height in the same unit and select the input unit. The calculator multiplies the raw cubic value by a unit-specific factor to yield cubic metres. Supported units include mm, cm, m, in, ft, and yd.
What density should I use for mass estimates?
The default density is 2400 kg/m³, a typical value for normal-weight concrete. Use a project-specific density from the mix design or supplier data for greater accuracy; lightweight mixes will have lower densities and high-density aggregates higher values.
How accurate will the bag count be?
Bag counts are approximate and based on the entered density and the 80 lb bag mass. Always round up and add a waste allowance (commonly 5–10%) to account for spillage, over-excavation, and finishing losses.
How should I measure cylinder dimensions for testing specimens?
Measure diameter and height with calibrated calipers or rulers at prescribed locations per your testing standard. Avoid compressible layers or surface irregularities when measuring. For test cylinders, follow the specimen preparation and dimensional tolerances in standards such as ASTM C39 or equivalent.
Can I trust results for structural design?
This calculator provides geometric and simple material estimates only. For structural design, mix design verification, and specification compliance, consult project engineers, material suppliers, and applicable standards and codes. Use supplier-provided yield and mix data for procurement.
How do I account for slump, air content, or entrained air?
Slump and air content affect workability and unit weight but are not modeled here. Use laboratory mix data or supplier yield adjustments to refine mass and volume estimates when air entrainment or admixtures significantly change unit weight.
What instrument calibration and measurement tolerances should I observe?
Use calibrated calipers, rulers, or gauges appropriate to the measurement scale. For laboratory specimens, follow the dimensional tolerances specified by your testing standard. Document instrument calibration intervals and measurement uncertainty if traceability is required.
Sources & citations
- NIST — Reference on unit conversions and constants — https://www.nist.gov
- MIT OpenCourseWare — Civil and Environmental Engineering materials references — https://ocw.mit.edu
- U.S. Bureau of Reclamation — Concrete materials properties and guidance — https://www.usbr.gov