Box-shaped spaces
This formula works for boxes, tanks and rooms when all dimensions are perpendicular and measured in the same unit.
Example
A box that is 10 units long, 6 units wide and 4 units high has a volume of 10 x 6 x 4 = 240 cubic units.
Volume vs surface area
Use volume for capacity, storage or fill estimates. Use surface area when estimating paint, wrapping, panels or exposed material.
Common mistakes
Convert all dimensions to the same unit first. Mixing feet, inches and meters without conversion will produce a misleading volume.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-17