What is the Weightage of Surface Area and Volume Class 10 in CBSE Maths?
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 19 June 2026 · 4 min read
If you are wondering what is the weightage of surface area and volume class 10 in your CBSE Maths exam, this chapter typically carries around 8 to 10 marks. It is crucial to master the formulas and concepts from the NCERT textbook to score well.
Overview of Surface Areas and Volumes in Class 10 Maths
The chapter Surface Areas and Volumes in Class 10 NCERT Mathematics deals with calculating the surface area and volume of various 3D shapes such as cubes, cuboids, cylinders, cones, spheres, and hemispheres. This chapter is important because it applies geometry concepts to real-world problems, helping students visualize and solve practical questions.
The chapter introduces:
- Surface area formulas for different solids
- Volume formulas for solids
- Conversion between units
- Application-based problems
Understanding this chapter is essential not only for scoring marks but also for developing spatial reasoning skills.
What is the Weightage of Surface Area and Volume Class 10 in CBSE Exams?
In the CBSE Class 10 Mathematics exam, the Surface Areas and Volumes chapter usually carries 8 to 10 marks out of the total 80 marks paper. This weightage can vary slightly depending on the year but is consistently significant.
Marks distribution typically includes:
- 1-2 short answer questions (2-3 marks each)
- 1-2 long answer questions (4-5 marks each)
Because of its moderate weightage, students should allocate sufficient time to practice all types of problems from this chapter. NCERT exercises and exemplar problems are the best resources to prepare effectively.
Want to test yourself on Surface Areas and Volumes? Try our free quiz →
Key Concepts and Formulas to Remember
To excel in this chapter, students must memorize and understand the following key formulas:
| Solid | Surface Area Formula | Volume Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Cube | $6a^2$ | $a^3$ |
| Cuboid | $2(lb + bh + hl)$ | $lbh$ |
| Cylinder | $2\pi r(h + r)$ | $\pi r^2 h$ |
| Cone | $\pi r(l + r)$ | $\frac{1}{3}\pi r^2 h$ |
| Sphere | $4\pi r^2$ | $\frac{4}{3}\pi r^3$ |
| Hemisphere | $3\pi r^2$ | $\frac{2}{3}\pi r^3$ |
Where:
- $a$ = side of cube
- $l, b, h$ = length, breadth, height of cuboid
- $r$ = radius
- $h$ = height
- $l$ = slant height of cone
Worked Example:
Find the volume of a cylinder with radius 7 cm and height 10 cm.
$$ V = \pi r^2 h = \frac{22}{7} \times 7^2 \times 10 = 1540 \text{ cm}^3 $$
Tips to Prepare Surface Areas and Volumes for Class 10 Exams
Here are some practical tips to prepare this chapter effectively:
- Understand concepts: Don’t just memorize formulas; understand why and how they work.
- Practice diagrams: Draw neat diagrams to visualize the solids.
- Solve NCERT exercises: Complete all questions at the end of the chapter.
- Use formulas correctly: Write formulas clearly and substitute values carefully.
- Revise regularly: Keep revising formulas and solved examples.
- Attempt sample papers: Solve previous years’ question papers to get exam pattern clarity.
Following these steps helps build confidence and accuracy in solving surface area and volume problems.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Surface Areas and Volumes
Students often make the following mistakes which reduce their scores:
- Confusing surface area with volume
- Forgetting to add areas of all faces for total surface area
- Using incorrect units or not converting units
- Missing the curved surface area in cylinders and cones
- Incorrect calculation of slant height in cones
Avoid these by carefully reading questions and double-checking your calculations before final submission.
Comparison of Surface Area and Volume Concepts
Understanding the difference between surface area and volume is crucial:
| Aspect | Surface Area | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Total area covering the outer surface | Space occupied inside the solid |
| Unit | Square units (cm², m²) | Cubic units (cm³, m³) |
| Formula Example | Cube: $6a^2$ | Cube: $a^3$ |
| Application | Painting, wrapping, covering | Filling, capacity, storage |
Knowing when to apply which formula helps solve exam questions accurately.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weightage of surface area and volume in Class 10 Maths?
The chapter usually carries 8 to 10 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Maths exam.
Which formulas are most important for surface area and volume?
Formulas for cubes, cuboids, cylinders, cones, spheres, and hemispheres are essential.
How can I improve my score in surface areas and volumes?
Practice NCERT exercises, understand formulas, and solve previous year questions.
Is memorizing formulas enough for this chapter?
No, understanding concepts and application is necessary for solving problems correctly.
Are diagrams important in this chapter?
Yes, drawing neat diagrams helps visualize solids and solve problems accurately.
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