Volume of a rectangular box
For a rectangular prism, multiply length, width and height using compatible units.
Volume of a cube
A cube has equal length, width and height, so its volume is the side length multiplied by itself three times.
Cubic units
Because volume uses three dimensions, the resulting unit is cubed. Measurements in feet produce cubic feet, while measurements in meters produce cubic meters.
Keep units consistent
Length, width and height should be converted to the same base unit before multiplication. Mixing inches and feet directly will produce an incorrect result.
Area vs volume
Area measures a two-dimensional surface and uses square units. Volume measures three-dimensional space and uses cubic units.
Common uses of volume
- Containers and boxes
- Rooms and storage spaces
- Shipping dimensions
- Liquid or tank capacity calculations
- Construction material quantities
The length × width × height formula applies to rectangular prisms. Cylinders, spheres, cones and irregular shapes require different formulas.