Formula for calculating the volume of a solid of revolution and illustrative examples

What is a solid of revolution? How to calculate the volume of a solid of revolution?

A solid of revolution is a shape created by rotating a plane around a fixed axis such as a cone of revolution, a cylinder of revolution, a sphere of revolution, etc. Below is the formula for calculating the volume of a solid of revolution, please refer to it.

Table of Contents

Formula for calculating the volume of a solid of revolution and illustrative examples
Common rotating solids: Cylindrical rotating solid, conical rotating solid, spherical rotating solid.

Calculate the volume of a circular block rotated around the Ox axis

If the circular block rotates around the Ox axis, the following formulas can be applied to calculate the volume of the rotating circular block:

Case 1 : Rotating circular block created by:

  • Line y= f(x)
  • x-axis y=0
  • x=a; x=b

Then, the formula for calculating volume is:

Case 2 : The rotating block is created by:

  • Line y= f(x)
  • Line y= g(x)
  • x=a; x=b

Then the formula for calculating the volume of a solid of revolution will be:

with

Calculate the volume of a circular block rotated around the Oy axis

If the circular block rotates around the Oy axis, the following formulas can be applied to calculate the volume of the rotating circular block:

Case 1 : The rotating block is created by:

  • Line x=g(y)
  • Vertical axis (x=0)
  • y=c; y=d

Then the formula for calculating the volume of a solid of revolution will be:

Case 2 : The rotating block is created by

  • Line x=f(y)
  • The equation x=g(y)
  • y=c; y=d

Then the volume of the solid of revolution will be:

with

Summary table of formulas for calculating the volume of a solid of revolution:

1. Vx generated by area S rotating around Ox:

Recipe :

Formula for calculating the volume of a solid of revolution and illustrative examples

2. Vx generated by area S rotating around Ox:

Recipe :

Formula for calculating the volume of a solid of revolution and illustrative examples

Example of calculating volume of solid of revolution

Example 1: 

Calculate the volume of the solid of revolution obtained by rotating the plane figure limited by the curve y = sinx, the x-axis and two straight lines x=0, x=π (drawing) around the Ox axis.

Formula for calculating the volume of a solid of revolution and illustrative examples

Solution

Applying the formula in the above theorem we have

Example 2: 

Calculate the volume of the solid of revolution obtained by rotating the plane figure bounded by the curve and the x-axis around the x-axis.

Formula for calculating the volume of a solid of revolution and illustrative examples

Prize:

We see:

For every x, this is therefore the equation of a semicircle with center O and radius R = A above the Ox axis. When rotated around the Ox axis, the plane will form a sphere with center O and radius R = A (figure). Therefore, we always have

 

So with this type of problem, we don't need to write the integration formula but can conclude based on the formula for calculating the volume of a sphere.

Example 3: 

Calculate the volume of the object lying between two planes x = 0 and x = 1, knowing that the cross-section of the object cut by plane (P) perpendicular to the Ox axis at the point with abscissa x(0≤x≤1) is a rectangle with two side lengths x and ln(x2+1).

Prize: 

Because the cross-section is rectangular, the cross-sectional area is:

We have the volume to calculate as

Example 4: Given a plane figure bounded by the lines y = 3x; y = x; x = 0; x = 1 rotating around the Ox axis. Calculate the volume of the resulting solid.

Formula for calculating the volume of a solid of revolution and illustrative examples

Prize:

The coordinates of the intersection of line x = 1 with y = x and y = 3x are points C(1;1) and B(3;1). The coordinates of the intersection of line y = 3x with y = x are O(0;0).

So the volume of the rotating solid to be calculated is:

Example 5 : Given a plane figure bounded by lines y = 2x2; y2 = 4x rotating around the Ox axis. Calculate the volume of the resulting circular solid.

Formula for calculating the volume of a solid of revolution and illustrative examples

Prize:

With is equivalent. The coordinates of the intersection of the line with are points O(0;0) and A(1;2).

So the volume of the rotating solid to be calculated is:

For problems requiring calculating the volume of a solid of revolution, you just need to use the correct formula for each case and pay attention when determining the boundary to be able to solve. Good luck.

Leave a Comment

What Not to Wear: A Guide to Professional Workplace Halloween Etiquette

What Not to Wear: A Guide to Professional Workplace Halloween Etiquette

Compare workplace Halloween costume choices by respect, dress code, mobility, and safety—and learn when a subtle accessory or a policy check is the better option.

Couples Costume Ideas for 2026: Iconic Pairs and Clever Tropes

Couples Costume Ideas for 2026: Iconic Pairs and Clever Tropes

Find a couples costume that fits your style, budget, and comfort level, from Addams Family classics to original inside-joke duos.

Last-Minute High School Halloween Costumes That Take 5 Minutes

Last-Minute High School Halloween Costumes That Take 5 Minutes

Need a last-minute high school Halloween costume? Compare 10 easy closet-based ideas by prep time, comfort, school-day practicality, and simple safety checks.

When to Start Decorating for Halloween in 2026

When to Start Decorating for Halloween in 2026

Use a simple 2026 Halloween decorating timeline for indoor décor, outdoor displays, and fresh pumpkins, with practical adjustments for weather and events.

5 Halloween Cocktails That Are Easy to Serve at Your 2026 Bash

5 Halloween Cocktails That Are Easy to Serve at Your 2026 Bash

Mix five vivid, approachable Halloween cocktails with measured recipes, simple prep tips, and an alcohol-free option for your party guests.

15 HR-Approved Office Halloween Costumes for 2026

15 HR-Approved Office Halloween Costumes for 2026

Find 15 office-friendly Halloween costume ideas for 2026, with practical checks for dress codes, respectful themes, comfort, and workplace safety.

Spooky but Sweet: Halloween Party Ideas for Elementary Schools

Spooky but Sweet: Halloween Party Ideas for Elementary Schools

Plan a fun elementary school Halloween party with easy crafts, games, inclusive treats, costume tips, and a sample 75-minute classroom schedule.

Side Hustles That Actually Pay in 2026: 7 Realistic Options and the Tradeoffs to Know

Side Hustles That Actually Pay in 2026: 7 Realistic Options and the Tradeoffs to Know

Compare realistic side hustles for 2026 by startup cost, fees, flexibility, and income control, with current tax and scam guidance from official sources.

Remote Work Ergonomics in 2026: Upgrade Your Home Office Without Overbuying

Remote Work Ergonomics in 2026: Upgrade Your Home Office Without Overbuying

Upgrade your home office ergonomics with current OSHA and NIOSH guidance on chair fit, monitor height, laptop setup, lighting, and movement.

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Leadership—and How to Build It

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Leadership—and How to Build It

Learn why emotional intelligence matters in leadership, where it helps most, how to strengthen it, and how to tell whether your approach is working.