Cubic Feet Calculator
Multiply length x width x height (in feet) to get cubic feet. Use this for lumber stacks, firewood, storage space, or shipping volume.
Quick Answer
Multiply length x width x height (in feet) to get cubic feet. Use this for lumber stacks, firewood, storage space, or shipping volume.
Cubic Feet Calculator
Enter your values below for an instant result, then see the formula, worked example, and common mistakes.
Enter your values and click calculate.
How to Use This Calculator
Convert inches to feet (divide by 12) before entering values for an accurate result.
For irregular shapes, measure the smallest rectangular box that contains the space or stack.
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet; 1 cubic foot = 0.0283 cubic meters.
When buying mulch, gravel, or fill by volume, round up to the next full unit sold.
Formula
Cubic feet = Length x Width x Height (all in feet).
Cubic Feet vs. Board Feet
Cubic feet measures any three-dimensional space — storage bins, firewood stacks, shipping crates, garden beds. Board feet is a narrower, lumber-specific unit (144 cubic inches) used because hardwood and rough lumber are priced by that measure, not simple L x W x H volume. If you are pricing or ordering dimensional lumber, use the Board Footage Calculator instead; use cubic feet for general volume, storage, and material-quantity questions.
Cubic Feet for Shipping and Storage Planning
Freight carriers and moving companies often price by “dimensional weight,” which converts a shipment’s cubic feet into an equivalent billable weight — typically by multiplying cubic feet by a carrier-specific factor (commonly around 8-10 lb per cubic foot for ground freight, higher for air freight). If your shipment is bulky but light, like a stack of finished cabinet doors or a crate of turned bowls, the cubic-feet-based dimensional weight can end up higher than the actual scale weight, so it pays to calculate both before choosing a carrier. Self-storage units are usually priced by square footage of floor space, not cubic feet, but stacking height still matters — a well-organized 10×10 unit with 8-foot ceilings holds roughly 800 cubic feet of usable volume once aisle space and irregular stacking are taken into account. When comparing storage options, converting each unit’s footprint and ceiling height into cubic feet gives a fairer size comparison than floor area alone, especially if you plan to stack boxes, lumber, or furniture near the ceiling.
Reference Table: Common Conversions
| Unit | Equals |
|---|---|
| 1 cubic foot | 1,728 cubic inches |
| 1 cubic yard | 27 cubic feet |
| 1 cubic foot | 0.0283 cubic meters |
| 1 cubic meter | 35.31 cubic feet |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing units (inches and feet) without converting first.
- Measuring only one dimension and assuming a cube.
- Forgetting that volume by weight (like mulch or gravel) can vary by material density.
- Not rounding up when buying bagged or bulk material sold in fixed unit sizes.
- Using cubic feet to price hardwood lumber — suppliers price rough and hardwood lumber by board feet, not cubic feet.
- Applying the L x W x H formula to round containers, pipes, or cylindrical planters, which need the cylinder volume formula instead.
When the Estimate May Be Wrong
This calculator assumes a simple rectangular volume. For irregular shapes (rounded piles, tapered stacks), the real volume will be less than the enclosing box calculated here — treat the result as a maximum estimate.
FAQs
How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards?
Divide cubic feet by 27 (since 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet).
How do I calculate cubic feet from inches?
Convert each dimension to feet first (divide inches by 12), then multiply length x width x height.
Does this work for firewood or mulch?
Yes, for a simple rectangular stack or bin. Irregular piles will hold slightly less than the calculated volume.
What’s the difference between cubic feet and board feet?
Cubic feet is a general volume unit (length x width x height) used for any shape. Board feet is a lumber-specific unit equal to 144 cubic inches (12 in x 12 in x 1 in) used because hardwood and rough-sawn lumber are priced and sold by that measure — use the Board Footage Calculator for lumber pricing.
How many cubic feet are in a 5-gallon bucket?
About 0.67 cubic feet (5 gallons x 0.1337 cubic feet per gallon).
How do I find cubic feet for a round container or pipe?
Use pi x radius squared x height (in feet) instead of length x width x height — the L x W x H formula only applies to rectangular volumes.
How do movers or shippers use cubic feet?
Freight and moving companies often convert cubic feet into a “dimensional weight” using a carrier-specific factor, then charge based on whichever is higher: actual weight or dimensional weight. Bulky, lightweight items can cost more to ship than their scale weight suggests.
Does humidity or temperature change a material’s cubic footage?
Wood and other porous materials can expand or shrink slightly with humidity, but the change is small enough (well under 1%) that it is not worth adjusting for in a general volume calculation — it matters more for precise moisture-content or shrinkage work than for basic space planning.
Sources and Methodology
This page uses standard volumetric conversion factors (1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet, 1 cubic foot = 0.0283168 cubic meters, 1 cubic foot = 1,728 cubic inches).
