The volume of a cylinder is calculated from the product of its base area and the height. The base area is equal to the area of a circle which is expressed as A = πr^2 where r is one half the diameter and the radius of the circular base. So, the volume of a cylinder is equal to:
Volume of cylinder = π(r^2)h
r = D/2 = 3.5 in / 2 = 1.75 in
h = 12 in
Volume of cylinder = π((1.75 in)^2)( 12 in )
Volume of cylinder = 147π/4 in^3 or 115.45353 in^3
Therefore, the volume of the cylinder given its specifications would be equal to 115.45 cubic inches.