Triangular Prism Calculator
Find the volume and surface area of any triangular prism. Enter the base triangle dimensions and prism length to get the volume, total surface area, lateral surface area, and base area.
A triangular prism is a 3D shape with two identical triangular faces (bases) and three rectangular side faces. Think of a Toblerone box or a tent shape.
Volume:
V = base area x length = (1/2 x b x h_t) x l
The volume is simply the area of the triangular cross-section multiplied by how long the prism extends.
Surface Area:
The total surface area is the sum of:
- Two triangular bases: 2 x (1/2 x b x h_t)
- Three rectangular side faces: (side1 + side2 + base) x length
So the total is: SA = b x h_t + (side1 + side2 + b) x l
When Side Lengths Are Unknown:
If you only know the base and height of the triangle, this calculator estimates the other sides by assuming an isosceles triangle. For precise results, enter all three side lengths of the triangular face.
Real-World Examples:
Triangular prisms show up in roof structures, tents, Toblerone packaging, optical prisms, and architectural designs. Calculating their volume helps with material estimates, while surface area determines covering or painting costs.