How to calculate Cubic Feet (Foot): Formula, Advantages and Disadvantages, Application

The term “cubic feet” is frequently used in our daily lives. Though it may seem complicated, it is actually a simple idea that helps us measure different objects, spaces, or materials’ volume or capacity. Understanding cubic feet can be very helpful, whether you’re buying furniture, filling up a storage container, or even estimating a room’s capacity. Let’s talk about what cubic feet are, how to calculate them, and their applications and pros and cons.

What are Cubic Feet (Foot)?

Cubic feet is a unit of measurement used to express the volume of a three-dimensional object. It helps us understand how much space an object occupies in terms of a cube with sides that are each one foot long. In simpler words, it tells us how much “stuff” can fit inside a space.

What is Formula to Find Cubic Foot (Feet)?

Calculating cubic feet is straightforward. To find the volume of an object in cubic feet, you need three measurements: length, width, and height. Simply multiply these three dimensions together. The formula is:

Cubic Feet (ft³) = Length (ft) * Width (ft) * Height (ft)

Conversion of quantities:

Sometimes while calculating the cubic feet the given data is not in feet so in that particular case, we have to convert the data first. In this section, we are going to discuss some important conversions.

Meters to cu ft:

The case “Meter to cu ft” is one of the basic conversions we face while calculating the cubic feet. The procedure for converting meters to cubic feet is discussed below:

Take the product of the quantities.
Multiply the product by 35.315.

Formula:

Product of parameters * 35.315

By applying the above formula, we will get the answer in cubic feet.

Yards into cu ft:

If the dimensions are in yards follow the below steps to get the answer in cubic feet.

Take the product of the quantities
Multiply the product by 27.

Formula:

Product of parameters * 27

Centimeters to cu ft:

If the given data is in centimeters, then:

Take the product of the data
Divide the product by 28316.846

Formula:

Product of dimensions / 28316.846

Example section:

Example 1: (Parameters are in feet)

If a large hall has the following dimensions:

Length = 90 ft

Height = 40 ft

Width = 45 ft

What will be the volume of the hall in cubic feet.

Solution:

Step 1: Write the given data

Length = 90 ft

Height = 40 ft

width = 45 ft

Step 2: Calculation

The formula for calculating the volume in cubic feet is:

Volume (Cubic feet or foot) = Length (feet) * Width (feet) * Height (feet)

Volume = 90 * 40 * 45

Volume = 162000

Example 2: (Parameters are in meters)

Calculate the volume of a cuboid if it has the following dimensions:

Height = 1.93 meters

Length = 0.75 meters

Width = 1.2 meters

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Solution:

Step 1: Extract the data

Height = 1.93 meters

Length = 0.75 meters

Width = 1.2 meters

Step 2: Conversion

Multiply the given parameters by “3.281” to convert them into feet.

Length = 0.75 * 3.281

Length = 2.46 ft.

Width = 1.2 * 3.281

Width = 3.39 ft.

Height = 1.93 * 3.281

Height = 6.33 ft.

Step 3: Conversion

Volume = Length (feet) * width(feet) * Height (feet)

Volume = 2.46 ft. * 3.39 ft. * 6.33 ft.

Volume = 52.789 ft³

Alternative method:

Step 1: Extract the data

Height = 1.93 meters

Length = 0.75 meters

Width = 1.2 meters

Step 2: Conversion

Length (meters) * width (meters) * height (meters) * 35.315

Plugging in the values:

Volume = 2.46 * 3.39 * 6.33 * 35.315

Volume = 27 * 35.315 ft³

Volume = 952.76 ft³

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Cubic Feet (Foot)

Advantages:

Simplicity:

Cubic feet is easy to understand and calculate, making it accessible for everyday use.

Accurate Volume Comparison:

It allows for accurate volume comparisons regardless of the shape of the object.

Wide Applicability:

Cubic feet can be applied to various fields, from construction to retail.

Disadvantages:

Limited to Three Dimensions:

Cubic feet might not be suitable for irregularly shaped objects that require more complex measurements.

Conversion Challenges:

Converting between cubic feet and other volume units might be confusing for some.

Applications of Cubic Foot Measurement

The concept of cubic feet has various practical applications in our daily lives:

Home Improvement:

When buying furniture, you can calculate cubic feet to ensure that it fits your living space.

Moving and Storage:

If you’re moving to a new place or storing items, knowing the cubic feet of your belongings helps you choose the right-sized boxes or storage units.

Construction:

Builders use cubic feet to estimate the amount of materials needed for projects, such as concrete for a foundation or lumber for framing.

Packaging:

Companies determine packaging sizes using cubic feet to optimize shipping and storage space.

Gardening:

Gardeners use cubic feet to measure soil, mulch, or compost needed for raised beds or planters.

Other Applications in details are given below:

Examples of Cubic Feet Measurements in Everyday Life

Refrigerator:

A standard refrigerator might have dimensions of 2.5 ft * 2 ft * 6 ft, resulting in a volume of 30 cubic feet.

Moving Boxes:

A medium-sized moving box could have dimensions of 1.5 ft * 1 ft * 2 ft, giving it a volume of 3 cubic feet.

Bathtub:

A bathtub might have dimensions of 5 ft * 2.5 ft * 1.5 ft, making its volume 18.75 cubic feet.

Cubic foot application in Professional Life

Real Estate: Real estate professionals often use cubic feet to describe rooms, buildings, and properties. It gives tenants and buyers a better picture of the available living or storage space.

Construction: Contractors and builders estimate the number of cubic feet of construction materials required for a project. Concrete, lumber, roofing materials, etc. are included in this.

Appliances: Household appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines are often evaluated based on their internal capacity, which is measured in cubic feet. This helps customers choose the appliance’s size and fit for their needs.

Cargo and Shipping: Calculating the volume of cargo that can be loaded into containers, trucks, or shipping vessels is done by using cubic feet। It is a critical role for shipping and logistics companies to maximize space use.

Storage: Cubic feet are a common method of calculating the storage capacity of containers, cabinets, and storage units। This makes it easier for people and companies to choose the right-sized storage options.

Freight and Shipping Costs: Shipping costs can be calculated using the volume of goods in cubic feet, especially for larger items। Carriers optimize their cargo space by charging according to both weight and volume.

Moving and Packing: People calculate the volume of their belongings in cubic feet when they move or relocate। Choose the right size of the storage unit or moving truck with this information.

Air Conditioning and HVAC: Often, air conditioning units, ventilation systems, and air ducts’ capacity are expressed in cubic feet per minute (CFM)। This measurement helps determine a system’s efficiency in heating or cooling a room.

Indoor Air Quality: The air exchange rate in buildings and homes can be calculated using cubic feet per minute (CFM) to ensure proper ventilation and maintain indoor air quality.

Warehouse Management: Warehouses use cubic feet to maximize storage space, keep track of inventory, and plan for efficient fulfillment and distribution of customers’ orders.

Custom Manufacturing: Manufacturers use cubic feet to design and build custom products or machinery tailored to a specific volume or capacity requirement.

Science and Research: In scientific experiments, researchers may measure volumes of gases, liquids, or irregularly shaped objects in cubic feet to understand their behavior or perform experiments.

Agriculture: Agriculture uses cubic feet to measure the volume of silos, storage bins, or containers used to store grains, seeds, and feed.

DIY and Home Improvement: Homeowners and DIY enthusiasts use cubic feet to calculate how many materials they need for certain projects, like adding soil to garden beds or building raised beds.

Aquariums and Terrariums: Fans of large fish tanks or terrariums often measure the capacity of these enclosures in cubic feet in order to determine the amount of water or substrate that is required.

Conclusion:

Cubic feet are a simple yet important measurement that helps us comprehend the volume of objects in our surroundings. Cubic feet play a vital role in various aspects of our lives. We have discussed the basic definition and general formula of the term cubic feet.

The advantages and disadvantages are also discussed in the article. We have covered all the basic aspects of cubic feet.