how to find the surface measurement of a round object?

Question

I need to find out how many square inches of material it would take to cover a bowling ball.

Answer 1

4*pi*r²

For a standard bowling ball, that would be 232.0820943 square inches.

Answer 2

The formula for surface area of a sphere is:
SA = 4 π r²

You could probably prove that using calculus. For your case, you probably just care about the answer, so plug your specific radius (half diameter) into the formula and that's your answer.

In reality, I can't imagine that it would be easy to cut and sew material to cover a bowling ball. I don't think there is a standard Simplicity or McCall's pattern for covering a bowling ball. But however you figure it, be sure to account for seam allowances and also surge those seams for strength. Sew right sides together (so your finished side is down) and then when you turn it inside out, insert the bowling ball and hand sew the last seam.

While this bowling ball cover might look decorative, it will affect the spin of the ball and how it behaves on the lane so I would think seriously about whether you really want to cover your bowling balls this way. It will also cover up the finger holes which is definitely another consideration.

(Thanks for letting me have fun with your question.)

Answer 3

If the ball is perfectly round i.e. spherical with radius "R" then the reqd. surface area is given by "4*pi*R^2".