Cubic Feet (Cu Ft) Calculator
Feet (ft)
Inches (in)
Yards (yd)
Centimeters (cm)
Meters (m)
Calculated Volume:
0 Cubic Feet (ft³)
How to Calculate Cubic Feet
Cubic feet (abbreviated as cu ft or ft³) is a unit of volume measurement in the Imperial and US Customary systems. It represents the volume of a cube with sides of exactly one foot in length.
To calculate the cubic footage of a rectangular space or object, you simply multiply the three dimensions together: Length, Width, and Height. However, the calculation changes depending on which unit of measurement you start with.
The Basic Formula:
Volume (ft³) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Height (ft)
Conversion Steps Based on Units
- If measuring in Inches: Multiply Length × Width × Height and divide the total by 1,728 (because 12″ × 12″ × 12″ = 1,728).
- If measuring in Yards: Multiply Length × Width × Height and multiply the total by 27 (because 3′ × 3′ × 3′ = 27).
- If measuring in Meters: Multiply Length × Width × Height and multiply the total by 35.3147.
Real-World Examples
Example 1: Shipping a Box
A shipping box is 24 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 12 inches high.
Calculation: (24 × 18 × 12) = 5,184 cubic inches.
Conversion: 5,184 ÷ 1,728 = 3.0 Cubic Feet.
A shipping box is 24 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 12 inches high.
Calculation: (24 × 18 × 12) = 5,184 cubic inches.
Conversion: 5,184 ÷ 1,728 = 3.0 Cubic Feet.
Example 2: Landscaping Mulch
You have a garden bed that is 10 feet long, 4 feet wide, and you want to fill it 0.5 feet deep (6 inches).
Calculation: 10 × 4 × 0.5 = 20.0 Cubic Feet.
You have a garden bed that is 10 feet long, 4 feet wide, and you want to fill it 0.5 feet deep (6 inches).
Calculation: 10 × 4 × 0.5 = 20.0 Cubic Feet.
Why Calculate Cubic Footage?
Understanding volume is essential for various tasks, including:
- Freight and Logistics: Determining shipping costs and container space.
- Construction: Calculating the amount of concrete, soil, or gravel needed for a project.
- Storage: Choosing the right size of storage unit or refrigerator.
- HVAC: Determining the heating or cooling capacity required for a specific room volume.