An off-lattice dynamic Monte Carlo method is used to study the conformations of biopolymers confined in finite cylinders. The coil-helix transition is observed with the increase of bending energy b for the polymer chain confined in small cylinder, and helical structure becomes more perfect for larger b. Periodicity of tangent-tangent correlation function C(s) begins to disappear when the cylinder height H increases, and the influence of R and b on the ability of helix formation of polymer chain weakens significantly. Therefore, the semiflexible and stiff polymer chains can fold into helix in small cylinder. (c) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.