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Hexagonal pyramid volume calculator

Use a regular hexagonal base and a centred apex. Choose a base measurement, then vertical height, face slant or volume.

Calculator

Volume
10.3923
Hexagon side
2
Base apothem
1.73205
Base perimeter
12
Base area
10.3923
Vertical height
3
Face slant height
3.4641
Six equal triangular-base pyramids
PieceBase area (m²)Volume (m³)
1.000000001.732050811.73205081
2.000000001.732050811.73205081
3.000000001.732050811.73205081
4.000000001.732050811.73205081
5.000000001.732050811.73205081
6.000000001.732050811.73205081

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How this calculator works

A regular hexagon splits into six equilateral triangles. Their combined area is three times the square root of three times the side squared, divided by two. The pyramid volume is one third of that area times vertical height. A face slant uses the apothem as its horizontal run, rather than the centre-to-vertex distance.

Formula

p=6a; apothem=√3 a/2; B=3√3 a²/2; V=Bh/3=√3 a²h/2; h=3V/B; l²=h²+apothem².

Worked example

With base side 2 m, the apothem is √3 m, perimeter is 12 m and base area is 6√3 m². Height 3 m gives volume 6√3 m³. Each of the six triangular-base pieces holds √3 m³.

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Frequently asked questions

Does this work for an irregular hexagon?

No. Side, apothem and perimeter conversions assume a regular hexagon. For a general pyramid, a measured base area and vertical height still give V=Bh/3.

Which slant height is used?

It runs to the midpoint of a base edge, along the middle of a triangular face.

Why split the volume into six pieces?

Joining the apex to the base centre and vertices divides the regular pyramid into six equal triangular-base pyramids. Their volumes sum to the full volume.

Sources

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