What is Cubic Meter – Definition & Conversion

What is Cubic Meter?

In mensuration, many times we have to find the volume of a given shape. This volume can be represented with the term cubic meter. It is the name of a block of space i.e. a cube that is of a very specific size.

This cube is a perfect cube where the length, width, and height are all the same. Volume is the quantity which also represents the amount of material to be stored in a container.

Definition of Cubic Meter

Various units are there to give value to the volume. The cubic meter is the derived unit of volume. It is represented by a symbol as \(m^{^{3}}\).

It is the volume of a cube that has edges of one meter in length. We use ‘cubic meter’ as a unit that will measure the volume of the cube. Therefore, we could use cubic meters to explain how much cement we need to fill the patio in your backyard or how much sand we would need to fill the sandbox.

Converting Cubic Meter

The main question is how to measure volume? It is very much different than measuring the distance of a line or the area of a shape.

To find volume, we measure the space or object from three sides–width, depth, and height. Then multiply the measurements together to get a result.

For example, consider measuring the volume of a swimming pool that has a height of 2 meters, a width of 10 meters wide and a length of 12 meters.

Therefore to find the cubic meters, we will multiply the three together: 2 × 10 × 12 = 240 cubic meters. This is the volume of water in the pool if it is full.

In many situations, we need to convert cubic meters to or from another unit of measurement of volume. For example, we need to convert from cubic centimetres to gallons.

1. Cubic Meters to Cubic Feet

To convert cubic meters to cubic feet, we simply need to multiply the number of cubic meters by 35.3147.

Thus to know the cubic feet of a bookcase as per the description, it is 0.764555 cubic meters. To find the cubic feet, we will multiply this number by 35.3147. So, 0.764555 × 35.3147 = 27 cubic feet is the value.

2. Cubic Meters to Cubic Yards

One cubic meter is equivalent to 1.30795 cubic yards. Thus to convert cubic meters to cubic yards, simply multiply the number of cubic meters by 1.30795.

Thus one cubic meter is the same as 1,000 litres, 35.3 cubic feet, and 1.3 cubic yards.

Different Unit Conversions Involving Cubic Meter

1. To convert yards to centimeter and meter by

1 yard = 91.44 centimeters = 0.9144 meter

2. To convert foot to centimeter and meter by

1 foot = 30.48 centimeters = 0.3048 meter

3. To convert inch to centimeter and meter by

1 inch = 2.54 centimeters = 0.0254 meter

4. Cubic meter formula for different units

\(\frac{Cubic centimeters}{1,000,000}\) = cubic meters

Also, \(\frac{Cubic millimeter}{1,000,000,000}\) = cubic meters

Furthermore, \(\frac{Cubic inches}{61,023.8}\) = cubic meters

Lastly, \(\frac{Cubic feet}{35.315}\) = cubic meters

Examples

1. Convert 256 cubic cm to cubic m.

Ans: \(\frac{256 cubic cm}{1000000}\) =  0.000256

2. Convert 100 cubic cm to cubic yards.

Ans: 100 cubic cm × 0.00000130795 = 0.000130795 cubic yards.

Solved Question For You

Q: What is the difference between the cubic meter and meter cube?

Ans: A meter cube will have the same volume, but it also implies the specific shape of a cube. The difference is more important between four cubic meters and four meters cubed. The latter will refer to the length of the edge of a cube, so 4 meters cubed equals 64 cubic meters.