Volume Calculator
Find the volume of a cube, rectangular prism, cylinder, sphere, cone, pyramid or capsule in litres and cubic metres first. Enter dimensions in mm, cm or m and get the result instantly converted to cubic feet and gallons too.
0.7854 m³
0.7854 m³ · 785,398.2 cm³ · 785.4 L · 27.736 ft³ · 1.0273 yd³
207.48 US gal · 172.76 imperial gal (UK/CA/AU).
Standard geometric formulas (V=s³, l·w·h, πr²h, (4/3)πr³, (1/3)πr²h, (1/3)lwh); capsule = cylinder + full sphere. Unit conversions per SI/imperial definitions. How we calculate →
Calculating volume in cubic metres and litres
Canada uses the metric system, so volume is reported in cubic metres (m³) or litres (L). A cylindrical rain barrel with a 0.4 m radius and 1 m height holds π × 0.4² × 1 ≈ 0.5027 m³, or about 502.7 litres. Enter dimensions above in mm, cm or m and the calculator returns m³, litres, cubic feet and gallons together.
The formula behind each 3D shape
Cube: V = side³. Rectangular prism (a storage bin or garden bed): V = length × width × height. Cylinder (a silo or rain barrel): V = π r² × height. Sphere: V = (4/3)π r³. Cone: V = (1/3)π r² × height. Pyramid with a rectangular base: V = (1/3) × length × width × height. A capsule adds a full sphere's volume to a cylinder for its two rounded ends.
Metric vs. imperial: why it still matters in Canada
Canada is officially metric, but plenty of building supplies, appliances and older equipment specs still use imperial units (cubic feet, US gallons) — especially anything sourced from the US market. This calculator computes both simultaneously: 1 US gallon ≈ 3.785 litres and 1 cubic foot ≈ 28.32 litres, so you can compare a Canadian metric spec against an American imperial one without a separate converter.
Common Canadian uses
Sizing a cylindrical rain barrel or cistern in litres, working out how many cubic metres of soil or gravel a raised garden bed needs, checking how much a rectangular storage tote holds, or converting a US-made appliance's cubic-foot capacity into litres for comparison shopping — switch shape and unit above instead of using a separate tool for each.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate the volume of a rain barrel in litres?
Volume = π × radius² × height, in metres, then × 1,000 for litres. A barrel with a 0.35 m radius and 1 m height holds π × 0.35² × 1 ≈ 0.3848 m³, about 384.8 litres. Enter your own radius and height above for the exact figure in litres and m³.
How many litres are in a cubic metre?
Exactly 1,000 litres. A 1 m × 1 m × 1 m box holds 1,000 litres of water — the calculator shows litres and m³ side by side automatically.
How do I convert cubic feet to litres for a US-made appliance?
Multiply cubic feet by about 28.32 to get litres (1 ft³ ≈ 28.3168 L). A 5 ft³ chest freezer therefore holds roughly 141.6 litres. Enter the dimensions in feet above to get the same result converted automatically.
How much soil does a raised garden bed need in cubic metres?
Multiply length × width × height (depth of soil) in metres. A bed 1.2 m × 1.2 m × 0.25 m deep needs 1.2 × 1.2 × 0.25 = 0.36 m³ of soil, or 360 litres. Enter your dimensions above in cm or m for an exact number.
What's the difference between a US gallon and an imperial gallon in Canada?
Canada historically used imperial gallons (≈4.546 L) but most current products, including US imports, are labelled in US gallons (≈3.785 L) — about 20% smaller. This calculator shows both alongside litres and m³ so you can compare labels correctly.
Researched & verified by the Calcuris Data & Research Team. How we build and check our tools →