Cubic Inch Conversion Tool - Convert Cubic Inches to Any Unit
Convert Cubic Inches to Other Units
Quick Conversions
Convert Other Units to Cubic Inches
Quick Conversions
Related Volume / Capacity Units
Cubic Inch Conversion Table
This comprehensive cubic inch conversion table shows how various units relate to cubic inches. Use this reference for quick conversions between cubic inches and other common volume units.
| Conversion | To Unit | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Cubic inches to cubic meters | Cubic Meters | 0.0000163871 |
| Cubic inches to cubic centimeters | Cubic Centimeters | 16.3871 |
| Cubic inches to cubic millimeters | Cubic Millimeters | 16387.1 |
| Cubic inches to liters | Liters | 0.0163871 |
| Cubic inches to milliliters | Milliliters | 16.3871 |
| Cubic inches to microliters | Microliters | 16387.1 |
| Cubic inches to cubic feet | Cubic Feet | 0.000578704 |
| Cubic inches to cubic yards | Cubic Yards | 0.0000214335 |
| Cubic inches to gallons (US) | Gallons (US) | 0.004329 |
| Cubic inches to quarts (US) | Quarts (US) | 0.017316 |
| Cubic inches to pints (US) | Pints (US) | 0.034632 |
| Cubic inches to cups (US) | Cups (US) | 0.0692641 |
| Cubic inches to fluid ounces (US) | Fluid Ounces (US) | 0.554113 |
| Cubic inches to tablespoons (US) | Tablespoons (US) | 1.10823 |
| Cubic inches to teaspoons (US) | Teaspoons (US) | 3.32468 |
| Cubic inches to bushels | Bushels | 0.000465025 |
| Cubic inches to pecks | Pecks | 0.0018601 |
This cubic inch conversion reference table provides accurate conversion factors for both metric (SI) units and imperial units. All values are based on internationally recognized standards for maximum precision in scientific and engineering applications.
What is a Cubic Inch?
The cubic inch (symbol: in³) is a unit of volume in the Imperial and United States customary systems of measurement. It represents the volume of a cube with each side measuring exactly one inch. This unit is commonly used in the United States, especially in engineering and automotive contexts.
One cubic inch is equal to approximately 16.3871 cubic centimeters or 0.0163871 liters. Our cubic inch conversion tool helps you easily convert between cubic inches and other units. For example, 1 cubic inch equals approximately 0.004329 US gallons or 0.554113 US fluid ounces.
What is the SI of Cubic Inch?
The cubic inch is not an SI unit, but it's widely used in countries that follow the Imperial or US customary systems. The SI derived unit for volume is the cubic meter (m³). All other volume units in the metric system are derived from the cubic meter, making it essential for SI units conversion:
- Cubic Meter (m³) = 61,023.7 cubic inches
- Liter (L) = 61.0237 cubic inches
- Cubic Centimeter (cm³) = 0.0610237 cubic inches
- Milliliter (mL) = 0.0610237 cubic inches
- Microliter (µL) = 0.0000610237 cubic inches
What are Cubic Inches Used For?
Cubic inches are used in a wide range of applications, especially in the United States. As a standard unit in the US customary system, cubic inches provide a convenient measure for various volume calculations:
Automotive Industry
Engine displacement is often measured in cubic inches (e.g., a 350 cubic inch engine). For example, a 5.7-liter engine has a displacement of approximately 348 cubic inches.
Manufacturing & Packaging
Product dimensions and packaging volumes. For example, determining that a box measuring 12 inches × 8 inches × 6 inches has a volume of 576 cubic inches.
Construction
Measuring materials like concrete or lumber. For example, calculating that a concrete slab measuring 10 feet × 10 feet × 4 inches is 57,600 cubic inches.
Cooking & Baking
Some recipes in the US still use cubic inches for measurements. For example, a measuring cup that holds 14.4 cubic inches equals one US cup.
Etymology and History
The cubic inch is derived from the inch, which has its origins in the Roman "uncia," meaning one-twelfth (referring to one-twelfth of a Roman foot). The inch was later defined in various ways, including the length of three barleycorns laid end to end.
The modern definition of the inch, established in 1959, is exactly 25.4 millimeters. Consequently, a cubic inch is defined as exactly 16.387064 cubic centimeters. This definition makes the cubic inch part of the US customary system, which is still widely used in the United States despite the global trend toward metrication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the cubic inch used instead of metric units?
The cubic inch is part of the US customary system, which is still widely used in the United States, especially in automotive, manufacturing, and construction industries. While metric units are preferred internationally, the cubic inch remains relevant in contexts where US standards are followed. Our converter helps bridge this gap by enabling easy conversion between cubic inches and metric units.
How accurate is the cubic inch definition?
The current definition of the cubic inch is extremely accurate, based on the internationally agreed definition of the inch as exactly 25.4 millimeters. This means a cubic inch is exactly 16.387064 cubic centimeters. This precise definition allows for consistent conversions in scientific research, engineering projects, and commercial applications.
What's the difference between cubic inches and inches cubed?
There is no difference in meaning. "Cubic inches" and "inches cubed" refer to the same unit of volume. Both terms describe the volume of a cube with sides measuring one inch. The choice of terminology often depends on context or preference, but both represent identical measurements in the US customary system.
How do I convert cubic inches to other units?
Use our cubic inch conversion calculators above, or multiply by the appropriate conversion factor. For example, to convert cubic inches to liters, multiply by 0.0163871; to convert cubic inches to cubic centimeters, multiply by 16.3871. For detailed instructions on converting cubic inches to gallons, visit our in³ to gal converter.
What are common uses for cubic inch conversion?
Cubic inch conversion is essential in automotive engineering (engine displacement), manufacturing (product dimensions), construction (material volumes), and cooking (recipe scaling). Whether calculating engine size or converting a baking recipe, our cubic inch converter tool simplifies these everyday tasks while maintaining precision for professional applications.
How does cubic inch conversion differ from other volume units?
Unlike SI units which are based on powers of ten, the cubic inch is part of the US customary system with more complex conversion factors. For example, 1 cubic foot equals exactly 1728 cubic inches, whereas 1 cubic meter equals 1,000,000 cubic centimeters. Our converter handles these non-decimal relationships while providing the same precision as metric conversions.
Can I convert very small or very large measurements in cubic inches?
Yes, our cubic inch converter handles both extremely small and large measurements with precision. For microscopic work, convert cubic micrometers to cubic inches (1 µm³ = 6.10237e-14 in³). For large volumes, convert cubic inches to cubic yards (1 yd³ = 46,656 in³). Our smart rounding feature ensures readable results for all scales.
Is your cubic inch conversion tool free to use?
Yes, our cubic inch conversion calculator is completely free with no registration required. Simply enter your value, select your target unit, and get instant, accurate results. We believe precise measurement conversion should be accessible to everyone, from students learning about volume units to professionals working on complex engineering projects.