Estimate the volume of the prostate gland using common measurement methods.
Measurements
Your estimated prostate volume will appear here.
Understanding Prostate Gland Volume Calculation
The prostate gland is a small, walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Its primary function is to secrete fluid that nourishes and transports sperm (semen).
Determining the prostate's volume is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring various conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate cancer. While imaging techniques like MRI can provide highly accurate volume estimates, a simpler calculation based on physical measurements is often used, particularly in clinical settings using ultrasound or digital rectal examination (DRE).
The Calculation Method
The most common method for estimating prostate volume is based on the assumption that the prostate gland approximates an ellipsoid shape. The formula used is derived from the volume of an ellipsoid, which is:
The factor 0.52 (derived from (4/3) * π * 0.5 * 0.5 * 0.5, where 0.5 is used to convert diameters to radii, and then simplifying) is a commonly used approximation in medical practice to convert diameter measurements into a volume estimate in cubic centimeters (cm³).
How to Use This Calculator
To use this calculator, you will need three measurements of the prostate gland, typically obtained via transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) or sometimes estimated via DRE:
Anteroposterior (AP) Diameter: The measurement from the front (anterior) to the back (posterior) of the prostate.
Transverse Diameter: The measurement across the widest part of the prostate, side to side.
Longitudinal Diameter: The measurement from the base to the apex of the prostate, from top to bottom.
Enter these measurements in centimeters (cm) into the fields above. The calculator will then apply the standard formula to provide an estimated prostate volume in cubic centimeters (cm³).
Interpreting the Results
Normal prostate volume in younger men is typically around 20-25 cm³. As men age, the prostate naturally tends to enlarge, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A significantly enlarged prostate (e.g., >30 cm³) may indicate BPH, while other changes in size or morphology could be associated with inflammation or malignancy.
Disclaimer: This calculator is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website or from this calculator.
function calculateProstateVolume() {
var ap = parseFloat(document.getElementById("anteroposterior").value);
var trans = parseFloat(document.getElementById("transverse").value);
var longi = parseFloat(document.getElementById("longitudinal").value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
if (isNaN(ap) || isNaN(trans) || isNaN(longi) || ap <= 0 || trans <= 0 || longi <= 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter valid, positive numbers for all diameters.";
return;
}
// Prostate Volume (cm³) ≈ 0.52 * AP * Transverse * Longitudinal
var volume = 0.52 * ap * trans * longi;
// Format the result to two decimal places for better readability
var formattedVolume = volume.toFixed(2);
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Estimated Prostate Volume: " + formattedVolume + " cm³";
}