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DIY Cost Tools

DIY Cost Tools

Spherical Cap Calculator

Measure a portion of a sphere cut by a plane. Cap height is measured along the sphere’s axis from that plane to the cap’s top, rather than along the curved surface. Curved area excludes the flat circular cut face.

Enter every field in the stated units. Decimal and scientific notation are accepted for non-integer fields; blanks, commas, fractions and non-finite entries are rejected. Zero is accepted only where a field permits it.

Cap volume (units³)54.45427266
Curved surface area (units²)62.83185307
Base circle radius (units)4

How to use this calculator

  1. Identify the quantities required by the model and use the field units.
  2. Replace the example values, then select Calculate or press Enter.
  3. Read the labeled outputs and check the interpretation below.

Formula and interpretation

V = πh²(R−h/3); curved area = 2πRh; base radius = √[h(2R−h)].

Calculations run in your browser. The previous results are hidden when an input changes or validation fails. This prevents an old answer from being mistaken for the new calculation. Results are displayed to approximately ten significant digits using floating-point arithmetic; that precision does not imply equal precision in measured inputs.

Worked example

Sphere radius R (units) = 5; Cap height h (units) = 2. Cap volume (units³) = 54.45427266; Curved surface area (units²) = 62.83185307; Base circle radius (units) = 4.

Substitute the example inputs into the stated formula in the same order as the labeled fields. These are the default values shown above, so the explanation and the working interface describe the same case.

Limitations

Height may range from zero to 2R; values above R describe a cap larger than a hemisphere. Surface area excludes the base, and dimensions must share one unit.

This is an educational mathematical model. Check the assumptions and units for your situation. Geometry results do not establish material strength, and probability outputs do not predict an individual outcome.

Frequently asked questions

Does h=R describe a hemisphere?

Yes. Its volume is 2πR³/3 and its curved area is 2πR².

Why does the calculator reject my entry?

Each field shows its supported range. Integer fields reject fractions; mathematical conditions such as a zero divisor or invalid shape produce a separate explanation. Correct the indicated field or condition and calculate again.

How many digits should I use?

Use enough digits to retain your input accuracy. Round the final answer to the precision justified by the data; tiny residuals around theoretical zero can result from floating-point arithmetic.

Review notes and reference

Reviewed October 3, 2026. The calculator script was tested against the default example and separate boundary cases. Checks covered blank, text, comma-formatted, non-finite and out-of-range entries, plus recovery after errors. Background reference for the mathematical method. Explanations and worked examples are original.

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