How this calculation works
For a fixed sphere radius, moving the zone along the sphere leaves its area unchanged as long as the height stays the same.
THE FORMULA
A = 2πRhA worked example
A zone 3 units high on a radius-5 sphere has area 30π.
Good to know
Zone height may be at most the sphere diameter.
Reference: OpenStax Algebra and Trigonometry, Trigonometric Applications (opens in a new tab) ↗
Read the result
Find the curved surface between two parallel planes intersecting a sphere.
The primary result is labeled “Curved surface area”. Keep the input definitions in view when comparing this result with another method.
Try a related calculation
Zone height may be at most the sphere diameter.
For a related exercise, try the circle calculator.
A few questions, answered
How can I check the default inputs by hand?
A zone 3 units high on a radius-5 sphere has area 30π.
Which rule does this calculator apply?
A = 2πRh