How many pistons does a 4 cylinder have?

A four-cylinder engine has four pistons.

In automotive engines, each cylinder houses a single piston that travels up and down inside the bore to compress air and fuel and convert that pressure into rotational motion via the crankshaft. Therefore, the total number of pistons equals the number of cylinders: four pistons in a four-cylinder engine, whether the cylinders are arranged inline or in a V configuration.

Common four-cylinder layouts

Two widely used configurations are inline-four (I-4) and V-four. Both retain a total of four pistons, one per cylinder, even though the physical arrangement differs.

Inline-four vs. V-four details

Inline-four engines place all four cylinders in a straight line, offering simplicity and smoothness. A V-four arranges the cylinders in two banks forming a V shape; it still comprises four pistons in total. The piston count remains tied to the number of cylinders.

Notes and edge cases

In conventional piston-based engines, the piston count matches the cylinder count. Other engine types, such as rotary engines, do not use pistons in the same way, but they are not four-cylinder piston engines.

Summary

Bottom line: a four-cylinder engine has four pistons—one in each cylinder. This holds true across typical layouts, including inline and V configurations.

Is a 4-cylinder better than a V6?

Neither is definitively better; a 4-cylinder is better for fuel efficiency and cost, while a V6 is better for power and performance, especially for heavier vehicles or towing. A turbocharged 4-cylinder can offer a balance of good fuel economy and strong performance, but a naturally aspirated V6 will generally provide a smoother and more powerful driving experience. 
You can watch this video to learn how V6 and 4-cylinder engines compare in terms of power, efficiency, and maintenance: 59sScotty KilmerYouTube · May 9, 2020
4-Cylinder Engine

• Pros:
  • Fuel Efficiency: Generally uses less gas, making it the more economical choice for daily driving. 
  • Cost: Often results in lower purchase prices and maintenance costs. 
  • Size and Weight: Its smaller and lighter design can improve a vehicle's handling and performance in some cases. 
  • Turbocharging: A turbocharged 4-cylinder can provide performance comparable to a larger engine while maintaining good fuel economy. 
• Cons:
  • Power: A non-turbocharged 4-cylinder lacks the power of a V6 for tasks like towing, carrying heavy loads, or frequent highway driving. 
  • Smoothness: Can sometimes feel less smooth or refined compared to a V6 due to less frequent power strokes. 

V6 Engine

• Pros:
  • Power and Performance: Delivers more horsepower and torque, leading to quicker acceleration and better responsiveness. 
  • Towing and Hauling: The extra power is beneficial for vehicles that need to tow or carry heavy loads. 
  • Smoothness: Provides a smoother and more refined driving experience due to more balanced power delivery. 
• Cons:
  • Fuel Efficiency: Consumes more fuel than a 4-cylinder engine, leading to higher gas costs. 
  • Cost: Typically has a higher purchase price and potentially higher maintenance costs. 

This video explains the structural and performance advantages of a V6 engine: 58sScotty KilmerYouTube · Feb 9, 2018

How many pistons are in a 4-cylinder engine?

4 pistons
The gas in your car causes a combustive event that pushes the piston to the crankshaft; the more cylinders there are, the more power your car can generate and the more power your engine has. 4-cylinder engines have 4 pistons that connect to the crankshaft, and 6-cylinder engines have 6 pistons that connect.

How many pistons does a V6 have?

six pistons
All six pistons turn a common crankshaft. It is the second most common engine design in modern cars after the inline four. It can be powered by different types of fuels, including gasoline, diesel, natural gas and alcohol. The V6 is a very compact engine design.

Does a V12 have 12 pistons?

A V12 engine is a twelve-cylinder piston engine where two banks of six cylinders are arranged in a V configuration around a common crankshaft. V12 engines are more common than V10 engines. However, they are less common than V8 engines. The first V12 engine was built in 1904 for use in racing boats.