Cubic Feet to Cubic Metres Converter

How to Convert Cubic Feet to Cubic Metres

To convert from cubic feet to cubic metres, multiply the number of cubic feet by the exact factor 0.028316846592. This factor comes from cubing the linear foot-to-metre conversion: 1 foot = 0.3048 metres (exact, by international agreement since 1959), so 1 ft³ = 0.3048 × 0.3048 × 0.3048 = 0.028316846592 m³.

The formula is:

m³ = ft³ × 0.028316846592

To convert in the other direction, from cubic metres back to cubic feet:

ft³ = m³ × 35.314666...

The reverse factor (35.3147) is simply 1 ÷ 0.028316846592.

Why Cubic Conversions Differ from Linear Ones

A common mistake is to assume that because 1 foot is about 0.3048 metres, 1 cubic foot must be about 0.3048 cubic metres. This is wrong. Volume is three-dimensional, so the linear factor must be cubed:

• Linear: 1 ft = 0.3048 m
• Area: 1 ft² = 0.3048² = 0.092903 m²
• Volume: 1 ft³ = 0.3048³ = 0.028317 m³

This is why one cubic metre contains 35.3147 cubic feet, not just 3.2808 (which is the linear feet per metre). Always cube the linear conversion factor when working with volumes.

Practical Uses of This Conversion

Cubic feet and cubic metres appear in many everyday contexts. In New Zealand, the metric system (cubic metres) is standard for construction, engineering, and trade, while cubic feet are still used in some imported appliance specifications, American building plans, and international shipping. Common situations where you need this conversion include:

• Refrigerator, freezer, or oven capacity listed in cubic feet on imported appliances
• Timber and firewood volumes, where cords and cubic feet are traditional measures
• Concrete and aggregate orders specified in cubic yards or feet on US plans
• Container and freight volumes when working with US suppliers
• Swimming pool volumes and spa capacities
• HVAC airflow rates (cubic feet per minute, cfm) converting to m³/min

Cubic Feet and Related Units

One cubic foot is exactly equal to:

• 0.028316846592 cubic metres (m³)
• 28.316846592 litres (L)
• 28,316.846592 millilitres (mL) or cubic centimetres (cm³)
• 0.037037 cubic yards (1/27 yd³)
• 1,728 cubic inches (12³)
• 7.48052 US gallons
• 6.22884 imperial gallons

Related Calculators

• Essential Calculators hub: all converters in one place.
• Cubic Metre Calculator: calculate volume in cubic metres from dimensions.
• Volume Calculator: volume for common 3D shapes.
• Area Conversion Calculator: convert between square feet, square metres, and more.
• Metres to Feet Converter: linear metre and foot conversions.

Sources and method: International yard and pound agreement (1959), defining 1 yard = 0.9144 m exactly, therefore 1 foot = 0.3048 m exactly. ISO 31-1 (Quantities and units). National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 44.

This converter uses the internationally agreed exact value of 1 ft³ = 0.028316846592 m³. Rounding in the display does not affect the underlying precision of the calculation.