Area vs Volume – Difference and Comparison

What is Area?

The area is a core concept of geometry and is mathematically measured. The term “area” refers to the space of a given object – a characteristic of plane figures. The area is measured to indicate the space covered by an object. It has a simple calculation method: multiplication of the dimensions of an object. The SI unit of area – denoted as m2 – is square meters. The measurement of the area has useful real-life applications. For example, by measuring, we come to know the space required by objects.

In housing, the measurement of the area is a crucial calculation because it helps the homeowner to see if the available space is enough for his decided arrangement of things. Each geometrical figure has a different mathematical formula to measure its area. The area of a square can be measured by multiplying its side, i.e., size x side. The area of a rectangle can be measured by multiplying its length and width.

It is pretty easier to measure the area of a figure. Suppose we have a figure – be it a rectangle. If we need to measure its area, two values are to be known – its length and width. If its length is 5 cm and its width is 4 cm, its area is measured by multiplying these two values, i.e., 5 x 4 = 30 cm2 – the SI unit has to be used with the answer because it indicates the value as the area.

What is Volume?

In geometry, volume is one of the fundamental concepts. Volume is defined as the available space inside a 3D object. In short words, volume tells us how much space a 3D object contains within itself. Volume can be understood as the capacity of an object. For example, if you have a glass, its volume would be its capacity to contain the quantity of water. There are varying formulas for measuring the volumes of different figures.

For example, the formula for measuring the volume of a rectangular prism is the answer when we multiply its length, width, and height. The formula of the volume of a cube is a3; the volume of a cylinder is π × r2 × h. If you need to measure the volume of any of the aforesaid objects, you should have the values to multiply them to find the volume.

Just like any other measurement, volume too has a specific SI unit – cubic units. Suppose the edge length (a) of a cube is 3 cm, so the formula is a3 – and you have to multiply 3 thrice. 3 x 3 x3 is equal to 27 cm3 – the SI has to be put after the value because it gives a clear indication of it being the volume.

Difference Between Area and Volume

  1. The area is the space of a given object, whereas volume is the space an object contains.
  2. The area is of two-dimensional objects, whereas the volume is of three-dimensional objects.
  3. The area is always for plane objects, whereas the volume is for solid objects.
  4. Area’s unit is in square units, whereas volume’s unit is in cubic units.
  5. The area is for circle, rectangle, square, et cetera, whereas the volume is for the cube, cylinder, et cetera.

Comparison Between Area and Volume

Parameters of ComparisonAreaVolume
DefinitionSpace of a given objectSpace an object contains
Dimension2D3D
ObjectsPlaneSolid
SI UnitSquare unitsCubic units
ExampleCircle, rectangle, squareCube, cylinder, cone

References

  1. https://arxiv.org/abs/math/9909042
  2. https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9781400865321/html