Whether you are calculating the storage capacity of a shipping container or the amount of material needed for a construction project, understanding 3D dimensions is crucial. This calculator allows you to find the volume and surface area of common geometric shapes instantly.
Dimensional Formulas Used
Rectangular Box: Volume = L × W × H | Surface Area = 2(LW + LH + WH)
Cylinder: Volume = π × r² × h | Surface Area = 2πr(r + h)
Example Calculation:
If you have a box that is 12 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 8 inches tall:
– Volume: 12 × 10 × 8 = 960 cubic inches.
– Surface Area: 2(120 + 96 + 80) = 592 square inches.
Why Knowing Dimensions Matters
In logistics and shipping, dimensions determine the Volumetric Weight, which often dictates the shipping cost regardless of the actual weight. In manufacturing, surface area calculations determine how much paint, coating, or raw material is required to cover an object. Using an accurate dimensions calculator ensures you avoid costly mistakes in material estimation and spatial planning.
function updateFields() {
var shape = document.getElementById('shapeSelect').value;
var lengthRow = document.getElementById('length-row');
var widthRow = document.getElementById('width-row');
var heightRow = document.getElementById('height-row');
var radiusRow = document.getElementById('radius-row');
if (shape === 'box') {
lengthRow.style.display = 'block';
widthRow.style.display = 'block';
heightRow.style.display = 'block';
radiusRow.style.display = 'none';
} else if (shape === 'cylinder') {
lengthRow.style.display = 'none';
widthRow.style.display = 'none';
heightRow.style.display = 'block';
radiusRow.style.display = 'block';
} else if (shape === 'sphere') {
lengthRow.style.display = 'none';
widthRow.style.display = 'none';
heightRow.style.display = 'none';
radiusRow.style.display = 'block';
}
}
function calculateDimensions() {
var shape = document.getElementById('shapeSelect').value;
var volume = 0;
var surfaceArea = 0;
var pi = Math.PI;
if (shape === 'box') {
var l = parseFloat(document.getElementById('lengthInput').value);
var w = parseFloat(document.getElementById('widthInput').value);
var h = parseFloat(document.getElementById('heightInput').value);
if (isNaN(l) || isNaN(w) || isNaN(h)) {
alert('Please enter valid numbers for length, width, and height.');
return;
}
volume = l * w * h;
surfaceArea = 2 * (l * w + l * h + w * h);
}
else if (shape === 'cylinder') {
var r = parseFloat(document.getElementById('radiusInput').value);
var h = parseFloat(document.getElementById('heightInput').value);
if (isNaN(r) || isNaN(h)) {
alert('Please enter valid numbers for radius and height.');
return;
}
volume = pi * Math.pow(r, 2) * h;
surfaceArea = 2 * pi * r * (r + h);
}
else if (shape === 'sphere') {
var r = parseFloat(document.getElementById('radiusInput').value);
if (isNaN(r)) {
alert('Please enter a valid number for radius.');
return;
}
volume = (4/3) * pi * Math.pow(r, 3);
surfaceArea = 4 * pi * Math.pow(r, 2);
}
document.getElementById('resVolume').innerText = volume.toLocaleString(undefined, {maximumFractionDigits: 3}) + " cubic units";
document.getElementById('resSurface').innerText = surfaceArea.toLocaleString(undefined, {maximumFractionDigits: 3}) + " square units";
document.getElementById('resultDisplay').style.display = 'block';
}