To calculate the volume and surface area of a cylinder without a lid, the formulas used are different from those for a closed cylinder. The volume is determined using the formula V = πr²h, where r is the radius and h is the height. For the surface area, the formula is A = πr(h + r), accounting for the curved surface and the base only. There was confusion regarding the need for an image to visualize the cylinder, as some participants noted that no image was posted. Clear communication of the shape is essential for accurate calculations.