Cylinder shape: A cylinder is a 3D geometric shape

A cylinder is a 3D geometric shape with two parallel circular bases connected by a curved surface . The height (h) is the distance between the two circular bases, while the radius (r) is the distance from the center to the outer boundary of each base. Definition of Cylinder explained with real life illustrated examples. Also learn the facts to easily understand math glossary with fun math worksheet online at SplashLearn. The shape of the bases Usually the bases are circles, so a familiar soup can would be technically called a 'right circular cylinder '. This is the most common kind, and if someone just says ' cylinder ' this is usually what they mean. The bases can however be almost any curved shape , but the most common alternative to a circle is an ellipse. Learn about cylinders, a three-dimensional geometric shape with a curved surface and two circular bases. Find out how to calculate the surface area and volume of different types of cylinders using formulas and examples.