Measuring Regular Solids

• 1). Measure the object. For a rectangular object, measure length, width and height. For a sphere, measure the diameter. For a cylinder or cone, measure the diameter and height.
  
  
• 2). Find the relevant formula to calculate the volume. For the rectangular object, volume = height x width x length. For a sphere, the formula is: volume = 4/3 pi x radius cubed. For a cylinder, volume = pi x radius squared x height. For a cone, volume = 1/3 pi x radius squared x height.
  
  
• 3). Put your measurements into the appropriate formula and do the calculations to arrive at the theoretical volume of the object.
  
  

Measuring Irregular Solids

• 1). Fill a graduated cylinder or measuring cup halfway with water. Record the level of the water.
  
  
• 2). Place the irregular solid object into the water. Record the new level of the water.
  
  
• 3). Subtract the original amount of water from the new level of water, using a calculator if necessary. The resulting number is the volume of the irregular solid object.