A prism is a polyhedron with two equal polygonal faces (bases) in parallel planes; the other faces are parallelograms.
A right prism has side edges perpendicular to the bases.
Formula
The volume of a prism is the base area times the height ⇒ V = S * H
Example
A triangular prism whose base is a right triangle with legs 3 and 4 cm, height 10 cm: S = 3 × 4 / 2 = 6 cm², V = 6 × 10 = 60 cm³.
Units
The volume comes out in cubic units of the dimensions you enter: centimetres give cm³, metres give m³. Use the same unit for all dimensions. Conversion: 1 L = 1 dm³ = 1000 cm³, 1 m³ = 1000 L, 1 mL = 1 cm³.
Good to know
- One formula for any prism (triangular, hexagonal, oblique); for an oblique one use the height, not the side edge.
- A cube and a cuboid are special cases of a prism.
Where it is used
- Gable roofs and attics (triangular prism), trenches and embankments with a trapezoidal section.
- Beams and profiles, hexagonal pencils, Toblerone-style packaging.
- Optical prisms, 3D printing and modelling.
How to use
Enter the dimensions (decimals with a dot or comma) and press “Calculate”. You get the formula with your numbers and the result with a copy button, and the 3D model is redrawn to your dimensions.