Select a shape to calculate its surface area
This calculator computes the total and lateral surface area for five common 3D shapes: Cube, Sphere, Cylinder, Cone, and Rectangular Prism. Simply select the shape and enter the required dimensions.
Lateral surface area includes only the sides (excluding the base(s)). Total surface area includes all faces, including the base(s). For a cylinder, lateral area is 2πrh, while total adds the two circular ends.
A sphere has the smallest surface area for a given volume among all solids. Shapes with more surface area relative to volume (like a flat prism) lose or gain heat faster, which is why animals in cold climates tend to be more rounded.