Volume Calculator — Calculate m³ and Litres

For most building projects, you need to calculate the volume in cubic metres (m³). Measure the length, width, and depth in metres, then multiply them together. For example, a foundation trench 10m long, 0.6m wide, and 0.3m deep = 10 × 0.6 × 0.3 = 1.8 m³. Ready-mix concrete is typically ordered in m³.

There are exactly 1,000 litres in one cubic metre. This conversion is useful for water tank sizing, mixing calculations, and understanding liquid volumes. For example, a 2 m³ water tank holds 2,000 litres.

Break the irregular shape into simpler shapes (cuboids, cylinders, etc.), calculate each volume separately, then add them together. Our calculator supports this with the irregular shape option, which lets you combine two cuboid sections — ideal for L-shaped, T-shaped, or U-shaped excavations.

A typical shed base (2.4m × 1.8m) at 100mm thick needs about 0.43 m³ of concrete. For a larger shed (3m × 2.4m) at the same depth, you need about 0.72 m³. Always add 10% for wastage. Use our cuboid calculation with the depth as the height.

Use the cylinder shape option. Measure the radius (half the diameter) and the depth/height. For example, a pond with a 2m diameter (1m radius) and 0.5m depth = π × 1² × 0.5 = 1.57 m³, which holds approximately 1,570 litres of water.