Volume formulas
Example: a can 6 inches across (radius 3 in) and 10 inches tall holds π × 3² × 10 = 282.7433 cubic inches, which is 4.6333 liters or 1.224 U.S. gallons.
A cone holds exactly a third of the cylinder with the same base and height, and a pyramid a third of the matching box. A sphere fills two thirds of the cylinder that just fits around it, a result Archimedes was proud enough of to want on his tombstone.
Converting volume units
1 cubic foot = 1,728 cubic inches = 7.4805 U.S. gallons = 28.3168 liters. 1 U.S. gallon = 231 cubic inches = 3.7854 liters. 1 cubic meter = 1,000 liters = 264.17 gallons. 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet. For materials sold by the cubic yard, like concrete or mulch, the cubic yard calculator is quicker.
Frequently asked questions
How do you find the volume of a cylinder?
Multiply π by the radius squared and by the height. A cylinder with a 3 inch radius and 10 inch height holds about 282.7 cubic inches.
How many gallons are in a cubic foot?
About 7.48 U.S. gallons.
What is the difference between volume and capacity?
Volume is the space a shape takes up; capacity is how much it can hold. For a thin-walled container they're nearly the same, but thick walls reduce capacity.
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