The surface area of a soda can is calculated by measuring the height and the diameter. With these two known results, the area is calculated using 2πr2 for the ends of the can and πd for the circumference of the can multiplied by the height.
The surface area of a 12-ounce soda can measures 2.62 inches in diameter and 6.82 inches tall. The surface area of the ends of the can is calculated as follows: 2.62/2 = a radius of 1.31, r2 = 1.31 x 1.31 = 1.716, 1.716 x 3.142 = 5.392, 5.392 x 2 = 10.784 square inches. The surface area of the sides of the can is calculated as follows: 2.62 x 3.142 = 8.232, 8.232 x 6.82 = 56.142 square inches. The total surface area is 10.784 + 56.142 = 66.926 square inches.
