Calculate the Volume of a Cone

In this activity, we are going to calculate the volume of a cone using a given formula.

You will need a scientific calculator

A cone is a 3D object that tapers from a circle to a point!

The formula for the volume of a cone, V is:

This is similar to the formula for the volume of a cylinder, but remember to divide by 3.

Make a note of the formula!

Example

Calculate the volume of the cone shown below in cm³ to 1 decimal place.

Answer

Radius, r = 4 cm

Height, h = 10 cm

Volume = ¹/3πr²h 

(π x 4² x 10) ÷ 3

Volume = 167.6 cm³ (1 dp)

Note: It is important to get the order correct in these calculations!

Did you spot the brackets around most of the equation?

We need to do all the multiplication in the brackets before dividing by 3.

Let's try some questions now.