Volume of a Triangular Prism Calculator
Calculate the volume and surface area of a triangular prism from its triangle base, triangle height, and prism length. See also Volume of Rectangular Prism Calculator and Volume of Cylinder Calculator.
How to Calculate the Volume of a Triangular Prism
To find the volume of a triangular prism, first calculate the area of the triangular cross-section (½ × base × height), then multiply by the prism length (the distance between the two triangular faces). The surface area includes both triangular ends and the three rectangular side faces. This calculator assumes a right-angled triangle cross-section for the surface area calculation.
Triangular Prism Volume Formula
V = (1/2) × b × h × l
Triangle Area = (1/2) × b × h
SA = 2 × Triangle Area + Perimeter × l
Perimeter = b + h + √(b² + h²)
Example
Find the volume of a triangular prism with base 6, height 4, length 10:
V = (1/2) × b × h × l
V = (1/2) × 6 × 4 × 10
V = 12 × 10
V = 120 cubic units
Triangular Prism Volume Reference Table
| Base | Tri Height | Length | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 5 | 15.0000 |
| 4 | 3 | 6 | 36.0000 |
| 5 | 3 | 8 | 60.0000 |
| 6 | 4 | 8 | 96.0000 |
| 6 | 4 | 10 | 120.0000 |
| 6 | 5 | 10 | 150.0000 |
| 8 | 4 | 10 | 160.0000 |
| 8 | 6 | 10 | 240.0000 |
| 8 | 6 | 12 | 288.0000 |
| 10 | 5 | 10 | 250.0000 |
| 10 | 6 | 12 | 360.0000 |
| 10 | 8 | 15 | 600.0000 |
| 12 | 8 | 15 | 720.0000 |
| 12 | 10 | 20 | 1200.0000 |
| 15 | 10 | 20 | 1500.0000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a triangular prism?
A triangular prism is a 3D shape with two parallel triangular faces (bases) connected by three rectangular faces. A Toblerone box is a common real-world example.
What is the triangle base vs the prism length?
The triangle base and height define the triangular cross-section. The prism length (or depth) is the distance between the two triangular ends — how "long" the prism extends.
Does this work for any triangle shape?
The volume formula V = (1/2) × b × h × l works for any triangle cross-section, as long as b is the base and h is the perpendicular height of the triangle. The surface area calculation here assumes a right triangle.
How is a triangular prism different from a pyramid?
A triangular prism has two parallel triangular faces and three rectangular faces. A pyramid has one base and triangular faces that meet at a single apex point. The prism has uniform cross-section; the pyramid tapers.
What units is the volume in?
The volume is in cubic units of whatever unit the dimensions are in. If all measurements are in centimeters, the volume is in cubic centimeters (cm³).