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How to Calculate the Volume of a Shape

Many people finish their schooling and go on to work in jobs that never require the use of a single math formula. However, there remain some everyday tasks that still require object volume calculations, such as calculating the size of a flower bed or how much concrete will be required to fill in a hole; or how much load space the interior of a truck will carry. The volume of a shape can be worked out using a simple formula.

Things You'll Need

Tape measure or ruler
Pencil
Piece of paper
Calculator

Instructions

Rectangle or Square Shaped Area
- 1
  Measure the height, width and depth of the shape with a ruler or tape measure for larger areas.
- 2
  Write the measurements down on a piece of paper.
- 3
  Multiply the length x width x height. Use the calculator to work out the measurements. The total is the volume of the shape.
Cylindrical Shapes
- 4
  Measure the round dimension and also height of the shape. The round part is measured by the diameter, which is the measurement from edge to edge through the center point. Divide the diameter by two to calculate the radius. You will need to know the radius to calculate the volume.
- 5
  Multiply 3.14 x radius squared x height. The square of a number is that number multiplied by itself. Use the calculator to work out the measurements.
- 6
  Write down the working out on a piece of paper. The sum total is the volume of the shape.

Numerology