Cubic Feet Calculator – Volume Tool

A Cubic Feet Calculator helps you work out the volume of an object, room, container or space in cubic feet. Cubic feet is a common unit of measurement used in the United States for volumes. It will tell you how much space the object takes up or how much material can fit into the area.

Knowing how many cubic feet there are can help you better plan your project whether you are renovating your home, working out storage, shipping container or concrete, soil or mulch requirements.

In order to work out the volume in cubic feet you will need to know the length, width and height. Once you have these measurements convert them into feet and multiply the three numbers together. If your measurements are in inches you will need to convert them to feet.

This Cubic Feet Calculator makes it easy to work out your volume. Simply enter in your measurements and choose the unit of measurement you are using. It will give you an estimated volume.

How to Use the Cubic Feet Calculator

Follow these simple steps to calculate the volume of your object or space:

Enter the Length

Measure the length of your object, room or container.

Enter the Width

Measure across from one side to the other.

Enter the Height

Measure up the height or depth of your object or space.

Choose the Unit

Choose what unit you are working with. For example feet or inches.

Calculate

Click ‘Calculate’ to work out your volume.

See your Results

You will now see your volume in cubic feet.

Make sure to measure your object carefully to ensure your measurements are accurate. If your calculator does not allow you to use different units of measurements for each part make sure they are all the same.

Cubic Feet Formula

The standard cubic feet formula is:

Volume (ft 3) = Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Height (ft)

This formula works for rectangular/box shaped objects.

If your measurements are in inches then you will need to convert them to feet. As there are 12 inches in 1 foot, you will be left with:

Volume (ft 3) =

(L x W x H) / 1728

Where:

L = Length in Inches

W = Width in Inches

H = Height in Inches

1728 = Number of cubic inches in a cubic foot.

If you have any other units of measurement then convert them to feet.

Common Volume Conversions

1 Cubic Foot = 1728 Cubic Inches

1 Cubic Foot = 0.03704 Cubic Yards

1 Cubic Yard = 27 Cubic Feet

1 Cubic Foot = Approx 28.3168 Litres

1 Cubic Foot = Approx 0.0283168 Cubic Metres

Example Calculation

Let’s say we want to work out the volume of our storage box. Our measurements are:

Length: 4 Feet

Width: 3 Feet

Height: 2 Feet

We will use the cubic feet formula:

V = L x W x H

Now plug in our measurements:

V = 4 x 3 x 2

= V = 24

Total Volume: 24 ft 3

Our storage box has a volume of 24 cubic feet.

Example Using Inches

Another box has measurements:

Length: 48 Inches

Width: 36 Inches

Height: 24 Inches

We will use the inches formula:

V = (48 x 36 x 24) / 1728

V = 41472 / 1728

= V = 24

As the measurements describe the same sized box we have the same volume.

Understanding your Results

Your results from using a Cubic Feet Calculator will tell you how much three dimensional space your object takes up or how much space is available inside your container.

For example, if you have 24 cubic feet it means that your measured space has a volume of 24ft 3. This doesn’t mean that your object is 24ft long or wide but is the total of length x width x height.

Understanding cubic feet can help you work out how much storage, materials or space you have available.

You can use your results to:

• Storage – Work out how much space you have in your box, cupboard or storage unit.
• Shipping – Compare volumes of packages.
• Construction – Work out how much materials you will need for certain projects.
• Landscaping – Work out how much soil, compost or mulch you will need for your raised beds.
• Home Improvement – Work out the volume of your room or cabinet.

Keep in mind that this is the geometric volume. If there are any obstructions like shelves, supports, equipment etc the usable volume may be less.

Things that can affect your results

Your results can be affected by:

Measuring Errors

If you measure the length, width or height incorrectly it can drastically affect your results. Make sure to measure accurately.

Units of Measurement

If you mix up the units of measurement (feet, inches, centimetres or metres) you could get incorrect results. Convert all your measurements to feet.

Shape of the Object

The standard formula length x width x height is for rectangular objects. If you have cylindrical, triangular, irregular or round objects you will need to use different formulas for volume.

Internal Measurements

If you want to work out how much usable space you have inside your object make sure to use internal measurements. The walls could take up some of the space.

Irregular Measurements

If you have irregular measurements such as uneven flooring, sloped ceilings, curved walls or irregular shapes you may need to break them down into smaller sections and work out each section.

Benefits and Uses

A Cubic Feet Calculator can be useful if you are a homeowner, contractor, builder, landscaper, shipping professional or anyone needing to measure how much 3D space they have.

Storage at Home

Work out how much space you have in your cupboards, cabinets, storage boxes, garage and storage units.

Moving & Shipping

Work out how much space your packages and cargo will take up. Note that shipping companies may charge based on dimensional weight or other factors.

Construction

Work out how much rectangular space and materials you will need. For example you can work out the volume of your rectangular concrete section and convert it into cubic yards.

Landscaping

Work out how much soil, compost, mulch or other bulk material you may need for rectangular garden beds and planters.

HVAC & Rooms

Work out how much space your room has. More information will be required for HVAC sizing such as insulation, climate, windows, people and building features.

Aquariums & Tanks

Work out the geometric volume of your rectangular aquarium or tank. The actual water volume may be less due to the thickness of the glass, substrate, decor and how full it is.

Warehousing

Work out how much space you have in your storage areas and containers.

Accuracy, Assumptions & Limitations

As long as you enter accurate measurements and use the right formula your results will be accurate. However your results depend on the shape and how you are measuring.

The standard formula assumes that your object or space is rectangular. It will calculate the geometric volume.

To get accurate results:

Ensure you measure the length, width and height with a reliable measuring tool.

Use the internal measurements when calculating how much usable space you have in your container.

Convert all your measurements to the same unit.

Break down any irregular shapes into smaller sections.

Only round your results once you have finished calculating.

Keep in mind that the calculator will not automatically account for any empty spaces, obstructions or settling of materials.

If you have an irregular object you may need to use a specific volume formula. If you are calculating for construction and materials you may want to add an appropriate amount for waste, compression or irregular surfaces.

FAQ

What is a cubic feet calculator?

A Cubic Feet Calculator is an online tool that works out how much volume an object or space has in cubic feet. It uses length, width and height to calculate how much 3D space your object takes up.

How do I work out cubic feet?

Multiply the length x width x height. Ensure all measurements are in feet. For example if your box is 4ft long, 3ft wide and 2ft high the volume would be 24 cubic feet.

How many cubic inches are there in a cubic foot?

There are 1728 cubic inches in a cubic foot. To convert from cubic inches to cubic feet divide by 1728.

How many cubic feet are there in a cubic yard?

There are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard. To convert from cubic feet to cubic yards divide by 27. This can be helpful when estimating bulk materials like concrete, gravel, soil and mulch.

Can I work out cubic feet with inches?

Yes. Multiply the length x width x height and then divide by 1728.

Can I use this for irregular shapes?

The standard cubic feet formula is for rectangular objects. Break your object down into smaller sections. Work out each section using the correct formula and then add them together.

Why would I need to work out cubic feet?

Working out cubic feet can help you work out storage, shipping, construction materials, soil and room volumes. It can help you plan your moving, landscaping, renovation and warehousing projects more efficiently.