Overview
A rectangular prism has six rectangular faces, 12 edges and 8 vertices, like a cardboard box or a room. Its volume is the product of its three dimensions, and its surface area is the total area of its six faces.
Formula
Volume = L × W × H, surface area = 2(LW + LH + WH), and diagonal = √(L² + W² + H²).
How it works
Enter the three dimensions
Length, width and height in the same unit.
Multiply for volume
Volume = length × width × height.
Compute surface area
Add the areas of all six faces.
Compute the diagonal
Apply the three-dimensional Pythagorean formula.
Worked examples
Example 1: 4 × 3 × 2
Volume 24, surface area 52, diagonal ≈ 5.3852.
Example 2: 10 × 5 × 2
Volume 100, surface area 160, diagonal ≈ 11.3578.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cube a special case?
Yes, when all three dimensions are equal the prism becomes a cube.
How do I get volume in cubic centimeters?
Use dimensions in centimeters, and the result will be in cubic centimeters.
What is the difference between volume and surface area?
Volume measures the interior space, while surface area measures the outer covering.
This calculator is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice.