Prostate Volume Calculator
Estimate your prostate size using our free medical tool. Prostate size is usually found using ultrasound or MRI with the ellipsoid formula used to find the size. This tool is useful for urologists, medical students and others who need to guess prostate size.
Prostate Volume
What is Prostate Volume?
Prostate volume is a measurement of the size of the prostate gland in milliliters (mL) or cubic centimeters (cc). The prostate is a gland found below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men and it has an important role in the male reproductive system and is responsible for making fluid that feeds and moves sperm.
Prostate volume is a factor used to evaluate prostate health. An enlarged prostate (called prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) is a common issue in older men and can cause problems like frequent urination, weak flow and trouble emptying the bladder. Prostate volume is used to find BPH track its growth and see how well treatment works.
How to Use the Prostate Volume Calculator
Using our prostate size calculator is simple:
- Enter the length (cm): This is the part of the prostate usually measured in the sagittal plane.
- Enter the width (cm): This is the part and is usually measured in the transverse plane.
- Enter the height (cm): This is the part and is usually measured in the sagittal plane.
- Click "Calculate Prostate Volume": See the estimated prostate size in mL (cc) away.
The Ellipsoid Formula for Prostate Volume
The main way to calculate prostate volume is the ellipsoid formula:
Volume (mL) = Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm) × 0.523
The number 0.523 comes from the formula for the volume of an ellipsoid: V=4/3 × π × a × b × c, where a b and c're the semi-axes. Since the numbers are axes the formula simplifies to V = 0.523 × L × W × H.
For example if the prostate measurements are 4.0 cm (length) × 3.5 cm (width) × 3.0 cm (height):
Volume = 4.0 × 3.5 × 3.0 × 0.523 = 21.97 mL (cc)
This is in the range for an adult male.
Normal Prostate Volume
Prostate volume changes with age. Here are the typical normal ranges:
| Age Group | Normal Prostate Volume |
|---|---|
| 20-30 years | 15-20 mL |
| 30-40 years | 20-25 mL |
| 40-50 years | 25-30 mL |
| 50-60 years | 30-40 mL |
| 60+ years | 40+ mL (BPH common) |
Volumes above 30 mL in men and above 40 mL in older men may suggest benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or other prostate issues.
Clinical Significance of Prostate Volume
Prostate volume is used in medical situations:
- Diagnosing BPH: Prostate volume is used to diagnose benign prostatic hyperplasia.
- Tracking BPH: Prostate volume measurements can be taken over time to follow BPH and see how well treatment works.
- Calculating PSA density: Prostate volume is used in the calculation of PSA density (PSA level divided by prostate volume) which is used to tell the difference between BPH and prostate cancer.
- Planning prostate surgery: Prostate volume is used to plan prostate surgery like resection of the prostate (TURP).
- Planning radiation therapy: Prostate volume is used to plan radiation therapy for prostate cancer.
Prostate Volume and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a -cancerous growth of the prostate gland. It is one of the common conditions in men over 50 and can lead to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) including needing to go often urgency to urinate, weak urine flow, trouble starting to urinate and not being able to empty the bladder completely.
Prostate volume is a part in diagnosing BPH and choosing the right treatment. Our Body Surface Area Calculator is another medical tool.
How is Prostate Volume Actually Measured?
Although this calculator uses a math formula it's important to know how doctors get the numbers (Length, Width and Height) in the place. The common way is Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) in which a small probe is put into the rectum allowing the doctor to see a clear view of the prostate.
The ultrasound machine takes images in two planes (transverse and sagittal). The doctor measures the three dimensions.
Another way is an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) which gives more detailed views of soft tissue and is often used if there is a chance of prostate cancer. It is usually more accurate than ultrasound. It is also more expensive and takes longer.
What is PSA Density. Why Does it Matter?
One of the important uses of the prostate volume calculator is finding the PSA Density. PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is a protein made by the prostate. A high PSA level can signal prostate cancer. It can also be high because the prostate is big (BPH).
To figure out which it is doctors use this formula:
PSA Density = Total PSA Level ÷ Prostate Volume
A lower PSA density is usually a sign of BPH (a -cancerous growth) while a higher PSA density (usually above 0.15) can be a warning for prostate cancer even if the total PSA level isn't very high. This is why getting the volume is very important for urologists.
Why Does the Prostate Grow as We Age?
It's completely normal for the prostate to grow as men get older. In fact the prostate goes through two growth times. The first is during years, where it doubles in size. The second starts around age 25. Continues for the rest of a mans life.
For men the second growth phase is slow and doesn't cause any issues. However for about half of men over 50 and up to 90% of men over 80 the growth becomes significant enough to cause BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). The urinary symptoms that come with it.
Knowing your volume helps you and your doctor decide if lifestyle changes, medicine or surgery is the choice.