Torus Calculator

Calculate volume, surface area, and other properties of a torus (donut shape)

Calculation Results

Enter torus measurements to calculate all properties.

Torus Diagram

R = 0 r = 0 V = 0

Torus Formulas

Key Properties

  • Major Radius (R): Distance from center of torus to center of tube
  • Minor Radius (r): Radius of the circular tube
  • Volume (V): Space contained within the torus
  • Surface Area (S): Total area of the torus surface
  • Aspect Ratio: Ratio of major to minor radius (R/r)

Calculation Formulas

  • Volume (V): V = 2π²Rr²
  • Surface Area (S): S = 4π²Rr
  • Aspect Ratio: R/r

Where:   R = major radius,   r = minor radius,   π ≈ 3.14159

Example Calculation

For a torus with:

Major radius (R) = 6 units, Minor radius (r) = 2 units.

Calculations:

  • Volume ≈ 2 × π² × 6 × 2² ≈ 473.74 units³
  • Surface Area ≈ 4 × π² × 6 × 2 ≈ 473.74 units²
  • Aspect Ratio = 6 / 2 = 3

About Toruses

A torus (plural: tori) is a doughnut-shaped surface of revolution generated by revolving a circle in three-dimensional space about an axis coplanar with the circle. If the axis of revolution does not touch the circle, the surface has a ring shape and is called a ring torus.

Real-World Applications

  • Engineering: Toroidal transformers and inductors
  • Physics: Tokamak fusion reactors use toroidal shapes
  • Architecture: Some unique buildings use toroidal shapes
  • Everyday Objects: Lifebuoys, donuts, and tire inner tubes

Special Cases

  • Ring Torus: R > r (standard donut shape)
  • Horn Torus: R = r (the hole just disappears)
  • Spindle Torus: R < r (self-intersecting)
  • Sphere: R = 0 (degenerate case)

Torus Components

R

Major Radius (R)
Distance from center to tube center

r

Minor Radius (r)
Radius of the tube

V

Volume (V)
V = 2π²Rr²

S

Surface Area (S)
S = 4π²Rr

How to Use the Torus Calculator

The Torus Calculator helps compute various properties based on input values. Here's how to use it:

1. Select Calculation Method

Choose what measurements you know:

  • Major & Minor Radii - Enter both radius values
  • Volume & Major Radius - To find the minor radius
  • Surface Area & Major Radius - To find the minor radius

2. Enter Your Values

Input positive numbers in the appropriate fields:

Example 1: Major Radius = 6, Minor Radius = 2

Example 2: Volume = 473.74, Major Radius = 6

3. Get Results

The calculator will compute all properties:

  • Major Radius (R)
  • Minor Radius (r)
  • Volume (V)
  • Surface Area (S)
  • Aspect Ratio (R/r)

Practical Applications

  • Calculate material needed for toroidal structures
  • Determine paint required for torus-shaped objects
  • Find storage capacity of toroidal containers
  • Solve physics problems involving toroidal shapes

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What's the difference between a torus and a sphere?

A sphere is perfectly symmetrical in all directions, while a torus has a hole through the center. Mathematically, a sphere can be considered a special case of a torus where the major radius is zero.

2. Can a torus be flat?

Yes, a flat torus is a theoretical concept in mathematics where the surface has zero curvature everywhere. It can't be physically constructed in 3D space without distortion, but it exists as an abstract concept.

3. How do you find the minor radius if you know volume and major radius?

Use the formula: r = √(V / (2π²R)) where V is volume and R is major radius.