Formula Used:
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The total surface area of a cuboid is the sum of the areas of all its six rectangular faces. It represents the complete external surface area of the three-dimensional rectangular prism.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula adds the lateral surface area (four sides) to twice the area of the base (top and bottom) to get the total surface area.
Details: Calculating total surface area is crucial for various applications including material estimation for construction, packaging design, heat transfer calculations, and cost estimation for surface treatments like painting or coating.
Tips: Enter the lateral surface area, length, and width in consistent units. All values must be positive numbers. The calculator will provide the total surface area in square units.
Q1: What's the difference between lateral surface area and total surface area?
A: Lateral surface area includes only the side faces, while total surface area includes all six faces of the cuboid.
Q2: Can I use this calculator for cubes?
A: Yes, since a cube is a special case of cuboid where all dimensions are equal.
Q3: What units should I use for the inputs?
A: Use consistent units (e.g., all in meters, centimeters, or inches). The result will be in square units of your input.
Q4: How accurate is the calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise based on the input values. Ensure accurate measurements for reliable results.
Q5: Can this formula be used for other 3D shapes?
A: No, this specific formula applies only to cuboids (rectangular prisms). Other shapes have different surface area formulas.