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Tube Volume Calculator

Find the volume of material making up a tube by subtracting the inner cylinder from the outer cylinder.

V = \pi h (R^2 - r^2)
R = ?
r = ?
h = ?
Diagram updates instantly as you type.

What is a Tube (Hollow Cylinder)?

A cylinder with a cylindrical hole through it.

In geometry, a tube or hollow cylinder is a three-dimensional shape formed by a larger outer cylinder and a smaller concentric inner cylinder. The volume of a tube usually refers to the physical material making up the walls.

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tube volume calculator

How to Find Tube Volume

You need the outer radius, inner radius, and length.

1
Calculate the volume of the entire outer cylinder.
2
Calculate the volume of the empty inner cylinder.
3
Subtract the inner volume from the outer volume.

Tube Volume Formula

The equation for a hollow cylinder.

V = π h (R^2 - r^2)
V Volume
R Outer Radius
r Inner Radius
h Length

Where 'h' is the length/height of the tube, 'R' is the outer radius, and 'r' is the inner radius.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I only know the thickness of the tube?

If you know the outer radius (R) and the thickness (t), you can find the inner radius (r) by subtracting t from R.

Is this calculating the capacity of the tube?

No, this calculates the volume of the solid material making up the tube walls. For capacity, use the standard cylinder formula with only the inner radius.

What is a pipe vs a tube?

In common usage, pipes transport fluids and are measured by inner capacity, while tubes are structural and measured by outside diameter. Mathematically, they are both hollow cylinders.

Does it matter if the tube is long or short?

The formula remains exactly the same whether it's a long pipeline or a short washer.