Measurement of Volume

For a regular object, the volume can easily be calculated by measuring length (L), breadth (or width) (b), and height (h).

Volume = Length x Breadth x Height = l x b x h

For irregular objects, the volume can be calculated by suspending the object with a thread inside a measuring cylinder half-filled with water. The initial volume of the water V₁ is noted before suspending the object and the new water level V₂ is also noted after suspending the object. The difference in water level (V₂ – V₁ ) represents the volume of the object.

For a sphere, the diameter can be measured using a micrometer screw gauge and the volume determined using the formulae

V = \( \frac {4}{3} \pi r^3\) 

r =  \( \frac {d}{2}\) , d = diameter of the object

For a cone, V = \( \frac {1}{3}\scriptsize \pi r^2 h\)

For a cylinder, V =  \( \scriptsize \pi r^2 h\)