Cylinder Volume to Weight

Volume alone doesn't tell you weight — you need the material's density. This calculator finds the cylinder's volume (V = πr²h) and multiplies by the density to give you the mass. Enter dimensions and select a material for an instant weight estimate.

Volume to Weight

W = πr²h × ρ
V W W = V × ρ (density)

Volume to Weight Formula

V W W = V × ρ

Weight = Volume × Density

First calculate volume: V = πr²h (in cm³, m³, or in³). Then multiply by the material density:

Water: 1.0 g/cm³ (1,000 kg/m³) Steel: 7.85 g/cm³ Aluminum: 2.70 g/cm³ Copper: 8.96 g/cm³ Wood (oak): 0.60–0.90 g/cm³ Concrete: 2.40 g/cm³

Example: A steel cylinder with r = 5 cm, h = 20 cm. V = π × 25 × 20 = 1,570.8 cm³. Weight = 1,570.8 × 7.85 = 12,330.8 g ≈ 12.3 kg.

Density of Common Materials

A B Material densities vary

Liquids: Water = 1.00, Milk = 1.03, Gasoline = 0.75, Diesel = 0.85, Olive oil = 0.92, Honey = 1.42 (all in g/cm³).

Metals: Iron = 7.87, Steel = 7.85, Aluminum = 2.70, Copper = 8.96, Brass = 8.50, Lead = 11.34, Gold = 19.32 (all in g/cm³).

Other solids: PVC = 1.40, Rubber = 1.20, Glass = 2.50, Concrete = 2.40, Sand = 1.60 (all in g/cm³).

Density varies with temperature and composition. Use manufacturer data for precise calculations.

Practical Applications

Shipping & engineering

Shipping: Know the weight of cylindrical packages before booking freight. A 200-litre drum of water weighs about 200 kg — plus the drum itself.

Engineering: Calculate the weight of cylindrical columns, pistons, shafts, and rollers for structural analysis.

Cooking: Convert between volume measurements and weight for ingredients in cylindrical containers. A cylindrical jar of honey weighing 500 g holds about 352 mL (since honey density ≈ 1.42 g/mL).

For hollow cylinders, calculate the material volume first (πh(R² − r²)), then multiply by density.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate the weight of a cylinder?
Calculate volume (V = πr²h), then multiply by density: Weight = V × ρ. Make sure your units are consistent.
What unit is density measured in?
Common units: g/cm³, kg/m³, lb/in³, lb/ft³. To convert: 1 g/cm³ = 1,000 kg/m³ = 0.03613 lb/in³.
How do I find the weight of liquid in a cylindrical tank?
Calculate the liquid volume, then multiply by the liquid's density. Water: 1 litre = 1 kg. Gasoline: 1 litre ≈ 0.75 kg.
Does a hollow cylinder weigh less?
Yes. Its material volume is πh(R² − r²), which is less than the solid cylinder πR²h. The weight is material volume × density.
How heavy is a standard 55-gallon drum full of water?
The drum holds about 208 litres. Water weighs 1 kg/L, so the water alone is 208 kg (459 lb). Add the drum itself (about 18 kg) for roughly 226 kg total.