Study Guides/Maths/Formula of a Cone
Study Guide · Maths

Formulas for a Cone: Volume and Surface Area

In 3D geometry, a Cone is a solid shape that has a flat circular base at the bottom, and smoothly tapers up to a sharp single point at the top (called the apex). The most famous real-life example is an ice-cream cone or a birthday party hat.

To solve exam problems on cones, you must memorize three completely different formulas based on three crucial measurements: the radius (r), the vertical height (h), and the slanted height (l).

Question (Click to Flip)

What is the formula for the volume of a cone?

Answer

The volume of a cone is mathematically calculated as one-third times pi times the radius squared times the vertical height: V = (1/3)πr²h.

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Key Facts

Volume Formula: V = 1/3 π r² h.

Curved Surface Area (CSA): π r l.

Total Surface Area (TSA): πr(l + r).

Slant Height Equation: l² = r² + h² (Based entirely on Pythagoras' theorem).

Pi (π): Always use the constant value of 22/7 or 3.14159.

1. Volume of a Cone (Capacity)

The Volume tells you exactly how much physical space or water fits inside the hollow cone. A mathematical fact is that a cone holds exactly one-third (1/3) the volume of a cylinder with the exact same base and height.

  • Formula: V = (1/3) × π × r² × h (Where π is 22/7 or 3.14, r is the radius of the circular base, and h is the straight vertical height from base to tip).

2. Curved Surface Area (CSA)

The Curved Surface Area calculates the area of only the outer wrapping of the cone (like the paper wrapping around an ice cream), completely ignoring the flat circular bottom.

  • Formula: CSA = π × r × l (Where 'l' is the slant height. You must use the slanted length of the cone's side, not the straight vertical height). Note: If you don't know the slant height (l), you can find it using Pythagoras: l = √(r² + h²).

3. Total Surface Area (TSA)

The Total Surface Area calculates the complete exterior of a solid cone. It is the sum of the Curved Surface Area PLUS the area of the flat circular base at the bottom.

  • Area of the circular base = π × r²
  • Area of the curved side = π × r × l
  • Formula: TSA = πr(l + r)

Questions and Answers

What is the formula for the volume of a cone?+

The volume of a cone is mathematically calculated as one-third times pi times the radius squared times the vertical height: V = (1/3)πr²h.

What is the difference between straight height and slant height?+

The straight height (h) goes dead center from the base straight up to the tip. The slant height (l) runs diagonally up the outside edge of the cone.

How do you calculate the total surface area of a solid cone?+

You calculate the area of the curved walls (πrl) and add it to the area of the flat circular bottom (πr²). The final simplified formula is TSA = πr(l + r).

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