Surface Area Calculator
Calculate the surface area of a sphere, cube, box, cylinder, cone or square pyramid — with lateral area where it applies.
Pick a shape
How to use this calculator
1. Select the shape
Choose from sphere, cube, box, cylinder, cone or square pyramid. The input fields update to show only the dimensions that shape needs.
2. Enter the dimensions
Type the radius, edge, or height in whatever unit you like. Keep every measurement in the same unit so the result is consistent.
3. Read total and lateral area
The total surface area is shown first. For cylinders, cones and pyramids you also get the lateral (side-only) area, useful for labels, wrapping or paint.
4. Mind the units
Surface area is always in square units. If your dimensions are in centimetres, the answer is in square centimetres (cm²).
About surface area
What is surface area?
Surface area is the combined area of every outer face or curved surface of a solid, measured in square units. A sphere is 4πr² and a cube of side a is 6a². See the area calculator for flat 2D shapes.
Total vs lateral area
Lateral area is the side surface only — for a cylinder, 2πrh without the two circular ends. Total area adds those bases. The cone and pyramid use the slant height for their lateral faces.
Surface area vs volume
Surface area measures the skin of a solid; volume measures the space inside it. To find how much a shape holds, use the volume calculator instead.