Surface Areas and Volumes • Topic 1 of 3

Surface Areas and Volumes of Basic 3D Shapes

What is Surface Area and Volume?

  • Surface Area is the total area of all the faces (surfaces) of a three-dimensional object. It is measured in square units (cm², m², etc.).
  • Volume is the amount of space occupied by a three-dimensional object. It is measured in cubic units (cm³, m³, etc.).

Formulas for Basic 3D Shapes:

ShapeLateral/Curved Surface AreaTotal Surface AreaVolume
**Cuboid** (l, b, h)2h(l + b)2(lb + bh + hl)l × b × h
**Sphere** (radius = r)4πr²(4/3)πr³
**Hemisphere** (radius = r)2πr²3πr²(2/3)πr³
**Right Circular Cylinder** (r, h)2πrh2πr(r + h)πr²h
**Right Circular Cone** (r, h, l)πrlπr(r + l)(1/3)πr²h

Key Terms:

  • l = slant height = √(r² + h²) for a cone
  • Lateral/Curved Surface Area = area of all faces except the base(s)
  • Total Surface Area = lateral surface area + area of base(s)
Surface Area & Volume — Cuboid & Cubel (length)lbhl = 4, b = 3, h = 2 (example)Cuboid LSA2h(l+b)Cuboid TSA2(lb+bh+hl)Cuboid Volumel × b × hCube LSA4a²Cube TSA6a²Cube VolumeLSA = Lateral Surface Area (excludes top and bottom)TSA = Total Surface Area (all faces)For Cube: all sides equal → a=l=b=h; simplifies formulas
1
Worked Example

Solve a standard problem on Surface Areas and Volumes of Basic 3D Shapes.

Solution

Apply the formula/method shown in the concept section above.

Key Points

  • Understand the definition and properties of Surface Areas and Volumes of Basic 3D Shapes.
  • Study the worked examples and practice similar problems.
  • Always verify your answer using the original conditions.
Tap an option to check your answer0 / 4
Q1.The volume of a cube of edge $a$ is:
Explanation: $a^3$.
Q2.The surface area of a sphere is:
Explanation: $4\pi r^2$.
Q3.The volume of a cylinder is:
Explanation: $\pi r^2 h$.
Q4.The curved surface area of a cone is:
Explanation: $\pi r l$.