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How to Work Out Cubic Measurements

There are times when it becomes necessary to work out cubic measurements. A landscaper might get a request for 100 cubic feet of gravel. A scientist might need to know the volume of a beaker. Solid geometry is the study of three-dimensional space and volume. Volume refers to the space occupied by a solid figure with three dimensions. These measurements will always be represented in cubic dimensions. With the right formula, you can calculate the volume of a box, mattress, swimming pool, drinking glass and a block of cheese in a triangular shape.

Things You'll Need

  • Pencil and paper or calculator
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Instructions

    • 1

      Calculate the volume of a rectangular or square solid using the formula of volume equals width times height times depth: V = w x h x d

      How many cubic feet are there in a sandbox that measures 5 feet by 3 feet by 5 feet?

      Answer: 5 x 3 x 5 = 75 cubic feet.

    • 2

      Calculate the volume of a triangular prism by first using the formula 1/2 times the base times the height: B = 1/2 x b x h.

      Two-year-old Billy has a set of blocks. The shape of one of the blocks is a triangular prism. The base of the block is 6 inches and the height of the block is 4 inches. What is the volume of the block? B = 1/2 x 6 x 4 = 12 square inches.

      After you get the measurement in square inches, use the formula of volume = the base times the height: V = b x h to complete the problem. You need the length of the triangular prism, which is actually another height measurement when you stand the block up on end. Billy's block has an additional height of 10 inches. Plug the numbers into V = b x h: V = 12 x 10 = 120 cubic inches.

    • 3

      Calculate the volume of a cylinder using pi.

      Billy has a large block shaped like a cylinder. What is the volume of the block? The radius is 10 inches and the height is 15 inches. Use the formula B = 3.14 x h. The B is the base which is the radius of the circle: B = 3.14 x 10 squared. Base or radius = 314 square inches.

      Now use the formula V = b x h. Plug 15 in for height. Volume = 314 x 15. The volume of the cylinder is 4,710 cubic inches.

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