This reference chart lists the surface area formula for every common 3D shape. Bookmark this page for quick access during homework, exams, or engineering estimates.
Complete Surface Area Formulas
| Shape | Total Surface Area | Variables |
|---|---|---|
| Cube | 6s² | s = side length |
| Rectangular Prism | 2(lw + lh + wh) | l, w, h = length, width, height |
| Triangular Prism | bh + (a + b + c)H | b, h = base triangle; a, b, c = sides; H = length |
| Trapezoidal Prism | 2·½(a+b)h + (a+b+c+d)H | a, b = parallel sides; h = trap height; H = length |
| Cylinder | 2πr² + 2πrh | r = radius, h = height |
| Cone | πr² + πrl | r = radius, l = slant height |
| Sphere | 4πr² | r = radius |
| Ellipsoid | ≈ 4π[(apbp+apcp+bpcp)/3]1/p | a, b, c = semi-axes; p ≈ 1.6 |
| Pyramid | Base + ½ × perimeter × slant | Depends on base shape |
| Torus | 4π²Rr | R = major, r = minor radius |
| Capsule | 4πr² + 2πrh | r = radius, h = cylinder height |
How to Use This Chart
- Find your shape in the table.
- Identify which measurements you have (radius, height, side length).
- Substitute into the formula.
- Calculate and write the answer in square units.
Tips
Common mistake: Using diameter instead of radius. Always divide diameter by 2 first. See 10 common mistakes.
For step-by-step instructions, see how to calculate surface area. To understand nets, read surface area using nets.