The Volume of the Frustum of a Right Squared-base Pyramid
calculator computes the volume of a right square based pyramid with a frustum defined by base side length (R) and top side length (r) and height (h) in between.
INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:
- (r) Length of one side of the four-sided square top (see diagram).
- (R) Length of one side of the four-sided square base (see diagram).
- (h) Height of frustum. This is the distance between the base and the top.
Pyramid Frustum Volume (V): The volume is returned in cubic meters. However, the user can automatically convert this to any of the other volume units (e.g. cubic feet, liters, or gallons) via the pull-down menu.
The Math / Science
A Right Square Pyramid has a four sided base where all four sides are equal and have equal angled corners (90o), which is a square. The pyramid is a right pyramid if the apex of the pyramid is directly above the center of the base square. The formula for the volume of a pyramid with a triangle base is:
V=13⋅h⋅(R2+R⋅r+r2)
where:
- V = volume of square pyramid frustum
- h = height of pyramid
- r = side length of top
- R = side length of base
A regular pyramid is a type of pyramid that has the following characteristics:
- Base: The base of a regular pyramid is a regular polygon, meaning all sides of the polygon are equal in length, and all interior angles are equal. Examples of regular polygons include equilateral triangles, squares, and regular pentagons.
- Apex: The apex is the point directly above the center of the base. In a regular pyramid, the apex is aligned such that the line segment (height) from the apex to the center of the base is perpendicular to the base.
- Lateral Faces: The lateral faces of the pyramid are congruent isosceles triangles. Each triangle shares a side with the base of the pyramid and meets at the apex.
- Height: The height of the pyramid is the perpendicular distance from the apex to the center of the base.
Because of these properties, a regular pyramid is symmetric around its vertical axis (the line connecting the apex to the center of the base).