Geometry
Volume of a pyramid
The prism formula divided by three. Works for any base shape, and for a slanted apex too.
The Formula
V = base area x height / 3
The prism formula divided by three. Works for any base shape, and for a slanted apex too.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| V | Volume | cubic metres | Space enclosed by the pyramid. |
| B | Base area | square metres | Area of the base, whatever shape it is. |
| h | Height | metres | Perpendicular distance from base to apex. |
What Each Symbol Means
Vcubic metres
Volume
Space enclosed by the pyramid.
Bsquare metres
Base area
Area of the base, whatever shape it is.
hmetres
Height
Perpendicular distance from base to apex.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate the volume of a pyramid page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate The Volume Of A Pyramid, filed under Math. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.