Cylinder Surface Area Explorer

Explore how the cylinder, its unwrapped lateral surface, and two circular bases connect.

Explore the Cylinder

Radius \(r\)3

Height \(h\)6

Click a pill to highlight matching parts. Drag the workspace to pan. Use the mouse wheel or trackpad to zoom.

radius\(r\) \(=\) 3 units

height\(h\) \(=\) 6 units

rectangle length6\(\pi\) \(\approx\) 18.85

lateral area36\(\pi\) \(\approx\) 113.10

two bases18\(\pi\) \(\approx\) 56.55

surface area54\(\pi\) \(\approx\) 169.65

Live calculation

\(\text{circumference}=2\pi r=2\pi(\)3\()=\)6\(\pi\)

\(\text{lateral area}=(2\pi r)(h)\)

\(LA=(\)6\(\pi)(\)6\()=\)36\(\pi\)

\(\text{two bases}=2\pi r^2=2\pi(\)3\()^2=\)18\(\pi\)

\(SA=\)36\(\pi+\)18\(\pi=\)54\(\pi\)

\(SA\approx\) 169.65 square units

The rectangle starts at a grid intersection. Its length is the same as the distance around each circular base.