Prism Calculator
Calculate volume, surface area, and other properties of any prism instantly
What is a Prism?
A prism is a three-dimensional geometric shape with two identical, parallel bases connected by rectangular faces. The shape of the base determines the type of prism (triangular, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.). Prisms are found everywhere in our daily lives - from boxes and buildings to optical instruments.
Prism Types - Calculators
Select a prism type to access its dedicated calculator with shape-specific formulas and features:
Triangular Prism
A prism with triangular bases.
Rectangular Prism
A prism with Rectangular bases.
Square Prism
A prism with square bases.
Pentagonal Prism
A prism with Pentagonal bases.
Hexagonal Prism
A prism with Hexagonal bases.
Key Properties of All Prisms
- Base Area (B) - Area of one base face
- Height (h) - Distance between the two bases
- Volume (V) - Space contained within the prism (V = B × h)
- Lateral Area (L) - Area of the side faces (L = P × h, where P is base perimeter)
- Surface Area (S) - Total area including bases (S = L + 2B)
Universal Prism Formulas
- Volume: V = B × h
- Lateral Area: L = P × h
- Surface Area: S = L + 2B = P × h + 2B
Where B is base area, h is height, and P is base perimeter.
Why Use Our Prism Calculator?
Features Across All Prism Calculators
- Multiple Calculation Methods - Calculate using different known values
- Detailed Results - Get all properties including volume, surface area, and more
- Interactive Diagrams - Visualize the prism with labeled dimensions
- Step-by-Step Examples - Learn how to solve prism problems
- Mobile Friendly - Works on all devices
Common Prism Applications
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Architecture & Construction
Calculating materials needed for prism-shaped structures
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Packaging Design
Determining volume and surface area of prism-shaped containers
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Education
Learning geometry concepts with practical examples
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Engineering
Designing mechanical components with prismatic shapes
Frequently Asked Questions
A prism has two identical parallel bases connected by rectangular faces, while a pyramid has one base and triangular faces that meet at a common vertex (apex).
No, by definition a prism has only flat surfaces (polygonal bases and rectangular lateral faces). Shapes with curved surfaces like cylinders are not considered prisms.
Yes, a cube is a special type of square prism where all faces are squares and all edges are of equal length.
For any prism, height can be calculated using the formula:
h = V / B
Where V is volume and B is base area.