A pyramid frustum is a square pyramid with the top sliced off parallel to the base.
About this calculator
A pyramid frustum is a square pyramid with the top sliced off parallel to the base. Enter the top side a, bottom side b, and height h.
Example: a = 2, b = 6, h = 4 gives V = (4/3)(4 + 36 + 12) = 68.67 cubic units.
Use this for tapered concrete forms, ancient monument sections, and packaging with sloped walls. Compare with [[square-pyramid]] for a full pyramid and [[conical-frustum]] for a round taper.
Common uses
- Tapered concrete footing or pedestal volume
- Truncated pyramid homework problems
- Packaging with sloped square walls
- Architectural mass estimates for frustum shapes
Frequently asked questions
What is the volume when top side is 2, bottom is 6, height is 4?
V = (h/3)(a² + b² + ab) = (4/3)(4 + 36 + 12) = 224/3 ≈ 74.67 cubic units.
What if the top side is zero?
The shape becomes a full square pyramid with V = (1/3)b²h. Enter top side 0 for a pointed pyramid.
Does this work for rectangular frustums?
This calculator assumes square top and bottom faces. For rectangles use separate length and width inputs in a custom setup.
How is this related to a conical frustum?
Both are truncated solids. The pyramid frustum has square ends; the conical frustum has circular ends. Volume formulas differ.