Calculate the Volume of a Sphere

In this activity, we are going to calculate the volume of a sphere!

 

You will need a scientific calculator for this activity

 

A sphere is a ball.

 

 

Every point on the surface is the same distance from the centre. (The radius)

 

To find the volume we use this formula:

 

Volume = 4/3 x π x (radius)³

 

in short: 

V = 4/3πr³

 

Let's look at a question.

 

Example

Calculate the volume of the sphere shown below in cm³ to 1 decimal place.

 

 

 

Answer

Radius, r =  4 cm

Volume =  4/3πr³ = 4 ÷ 3 x π x 4³ 

Use the π  button on your calculator!

V =  268.1 cm³ (1 dp)

 

Let's have a go at some questions now.