Basics of Cubic Feet: Definition, Formula, & Examples

The volume of a three-dimensional object is measured in cubic feet, which is a unit of volume. The volume of one cube with one-foot sides equals one cubic foot. It is often employed in the US to determine the volume of large objects like rooms, buildings, and shipping containers and resembles a cube with a foot on each edge.

A common abbreviation for this unit of measurement is “ft3” or “cu ft“. The capacity or volume of items, containers, rooms, or any three-dimensional area must be precisely described, and this requires an understanding of and use of cubic feet.

In this article, we will discuss the concept of the cubic feet. We will elaborate on its definition, formula, and important applications. We will also give some examples in order to apprehend conversions into cubic feet from other units.

Defining Cubic Feet:

A cubic foot is a three-dimensional object with dimensions of one foot in length, breadth, and height and occupies one cubic foot of space, which is a unit of measurement for volume.

The concept of cubic feet plays a key role in the measurement of the volume of the objects, container, etc. This useful unit is employed to analyze the availability of space to store the required tanks, wood, soil, etc. to fill the container or a cube box.

Basics of Cubic Feet Definition, Formula, & Examples

Formula:

To determine the volume in the unit of cubic feet, we use the following formula:

Volume (cu ft) = L (cu ft) × W (cu ft) × H (cu ft)

We will now also provide a brief discussion of a few helpful relations that are used to translate various units into cubic feet.

Other units to Cubic Feet

Cubic Yards to Cu. Ft:V (cu. ft) = [Length (yards) × Width (yards) × Height (yards)] × 27
Cubic Centimeters to Cu. Ft:V (cu. ft) = [L (cm) × W (cm) × H (cm)] / 28316.85  
Cubic Meters to Cu. Ft:V (cu. ft) = [L (meter) × W (meter) × H (meter)] x 35.32
Cubic Inches to Cu. Ft:V (cu. ft) = [L (inches) × W (inches) × H (inches)] / 1728  
Cubic Gallons to Cu. Ft:V (cu. ft) = [L (gallons) × W (gallons) × H (gallons)] / 7.481  
Cubic Liters to Cu. Ft:V (cu. ft) = L (l) × W (l) × H (l)

How to find the volume in cubic feet?

To find the volume in cubic feet, you need to multiply the length, width, and height (or depth) of a three-dimensional space, provided that all these measurements are given in feet. Here are a few solved examples:

Example 1:

Find the volume (Cu. ft) of a steel birdcage if its height is 11 feet, length is 7.52 feet and dimension is 6.13 feet.

Solution:

Step 1: Write down the given data.

Given data: 

Length = 7.52 feet

Dimension = Width = 6.13 feet

Height = 11 feet

Required Data:

Volume (in ft3) =?

Formula:

Volume (Cu. ft) = L (ft) × W (ft) × H (ft)

Step 2: Place the values in the given formula and simplify.

Volume = (7.52) × (6.13) × (11)

Volume = 507.07 ft3 Ans.

Example 2: Suppose the length, width, and height of the carton are given 23 inches, 19 inches, and 13 inches respectively. Find out its volume in ft3.

Solution:

Step 1: Write down the given data

Given Data:

L = 23 inch

W = 19 inch

H = 13 inch

Required Data:

Volume (in ft3) =?

Formula:

V (in ft3) = [L (in inches) x W (in inches) x H (in inches)] / 1728

Step 2: Place the values in the given formula and simplify.

V = (23 inches × 19 inches × 13 inches) /1728

V = 3.28762 ft3 Ans.

Example 3:

A rectangular box has a height = 0.72 meters, width = 0.63 meters, and length = 0.47 meters. Find its volume?

Solution:

Step 1: Write down the given information.

Given data:

Length = 0.72 meters

Width = 0.63 meters 

Height = 0.47 meters

Required data:

Volume (Cu. ft) =? 

Step 2: To find the volume in ft3, we will convert the data into the unit of feet.

Multiply the given data by “3.281” to convert it into feet.

Length= 0.72 × 3.281 = 2.362 ft.

Width = 0.63 × 3.281 = 2.067 ft.

Height = 0.47 × 3.281 = 1.542 ft.

Formula:

Volume (Cu. ft) = L (ft) × W (ft) × Height (ft)

Step 3: Putting values in the formula.

So, Volume (ft3) = L (ft) × H (ft) × H (ft)

Volume = 2.362 × 2.067 × 1.542

Volume = 7.528 ft3 Ans.

Alternative method:

Step 1:

Length = 0.72 meters

Width = 0.63 meters 

Height = 0.47 meters 

Formula:

Length (m) × width (m) × height (m) × 35.315 = answer (cubic feet)

Step 2: Put the values in the above formula

Volume = 0.72 × 0.63 × 0.47 × 35.315

Volume = 7.528 ft3 Ans.

You can also use online tools, such as the cubic feet calculator by AllMath, to verify your results or to obtain quicker calculations

Applications of Cubic Feet:

To better understand cubic feet, let’s consider some real-world scenarios where this unit of measurement plays a significant role:

Home Renovations:

When planning a home renovation project, understanding the volume of a room or the materials you need is essential. Cubic feet come into play when measuring the space you intend to remodel or calculating the amount of paint required to cover your walls.

HVAC Systems:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems often require knowledge of cubic feet to properly size ducts and determine the air volume needed to heat or cool a space effectively.

DIY Projects:

For DIY enthusiasts, knowing the volume of materials required for projects like concrete pouring, gardening, or creating is invaluable. Cubic foot measurements help ensure you purchase the right amount of supplies.

Warehousing and Inventory Management:

In the world of business, efficient use of warehouse space is crucial. Cubic feet measurements help optimize storage and streamline inventory management processes.

Real Estate:

When buying or selling property, having accurate measurements of rooms and living spaces in cubic feet can be a selling point. It provides potential buyers with a clear understanding of the available space.

Conversion:

In this article, we have discussed the concept of cubic feet. We have explored its definition, formula, and applications of cubic feet. In the last section, we have solved some examples that will help us during conversions.

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