Calculate a surface-area-to-volume ratio from values or shape dimensions, or find the ratio of two volumes entered in cm³, mL, L or gallons.

Cylinders include both end caps; all shapes are closed solids.

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Volume Ratio Formula

The following formula is used to calculate a surface area to volume ratio.

VR = SA / V
  • Where VR is the volume ratio
  • SA is the total surface area
  • V is the total volume

To calculate a volume ratio, divide the total surface area by the total volume. This is also known as the surface area to volume ratio.

Use compatible units when calculating by hand. The calculator converts each selected area, volume or length unit internally; choose the result length unit for all displayed quantities. Cylinders include both end caps. Target-size mode uses the supplied cylinder or box proportions. Closed-solid area/volume pairs below the sphere minimum are rejected.

Volume Ratio Definition

On this page, volume ratio means total surface area divided by enclosed volume. It has inverse-length units, such as1/cm, and is not a ratio between two volumes.

Volume Ratio Example

How to calculate a volume ratio of a cube?

  1. First, determine the length of the side.

    For this example, we will say this is 2 for this example.

  2. Next, determine the surface area.

    The surface area of a cube with side 2 is 6*2^2 = 24.

  3. Next, determine the volume.

    Using the formula V = a ^3 we find the volume to be 2^3= 8.

  4. Finally, calculate the volume ratio.

    Using the formula above, the surface-area-to-volume ratio is24/8 =3 per chosen length unit.

FAQ

What is a volume ratio?

Here, volume ratio means total surface area divided by enclosed volume, with inverse-length units.