1. What is the Rectangular Pyramid Volume Formula?

The volume of a rectangular pyramid can be calculated using the formula V = (l × w × h)/3, where l is the length of the base, w is the width of the base, and h is the height of the pyramid (the perpendicular distance from the base to the apex).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the rectangular pyramid volume formula:

Where:

• \( l \) — Length of the base
• \( w \) — Width of the base
• \( h \) — Height of the pyramid (perpendicular height)

Explanation: The volume equals one-third of the product of the base area (length × width) and the height of the pyramid.

3. Importance of Volume Calculation

Details: Calculating the volume of a rectangular pyramid is essential in geometry, architecture, and engineering for determining capacity, material requirements, and structural design.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the length, width, and height in the same units. All values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the volume in cubic units.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between a rectangular pyramid and a rectangular prism?
A: A rectangular prism has a constant cross-section, while a pyramid tapers to a point (apex). The prism's volume is l × w × h, while the pyramid's is (l × w × h)/3.

Q2: Can I use this for square pyramids?
A: Yes, a square pyramid is a special case where length = width. The formula becomes V = (s² × h)/3 where s is the base side length.

Q3: How does this relate to cone volume?
A: The formulas are similar (both have the 1/3 factor). For a cone, the base area is πr² instead of l × w.

Q4: What if my pyramid is oblique (not straight)?
A: The formula only works if 'h' is the perpendicular height from base to apex. For oblique pyramids, you need the perpendicular height measurement.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically exact for perfect rectangular pyramids. Real-world measurements will have practical limitations.