CFT Calculator
Free UK CFT Calculator. Calculate volume in cubic feet from dimensions. Convert between cubic feet, cubic metres, litres, and UK gallons.
Last updated: February 2026
Calculate volume in cubic feet (ft³ or CFT) from dimensions in various units. Our free UK calculator converts between cubic feet, cubic metres, litres, and UK gallons - essential for shipping, storage, removals, and construction projects.
Quick Reference: Common Cubic Feet Volumes
Calculate Volume from Dimensions
Calculate Cylinder Volume
Convert Volume Units
How to Calculate Cubic Feet
Calculating volume in cubic feet is straightforward using basic geometry. The key is to ensure all measurements are in feet before multiplying.
The Formula
Volume (ft³) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Height (ft)
Cylinder:
Volume (ft³) = π × Radius² × Height = π × (Diameter/2)² × Height
Unit Conversions:
From inches: divide each dimension by 12
From metres: multiply each dimension by 3.28084
From cm: divide each dimension by 30.48
Worked Example: Storage Box
Problem: Calculate the volume of a box measuring 24" × 18" × 12"
- Convert inches to feet: 24÷12 = 2ft, 18÷12 = 1.5ft, 12÷12 = 1ft
- Multiply: 2 × 1.5 × 1 = 3 cubic feet
- In metric: 3 × 28.317 = 84.95 litres
Cubic Feet Conversion Table
Use this reference table to quickly convert between common volume units used in the UK:
| Cubic Feet | Cubic Metres | Litres | UK Gallons | Cubic Inches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.0283 | 28.32 | 6.23 | 1,728 |
| 5 | 0.1416 | 141.58 | 31.14 | 8,640 |
| 10 | 0.2832 | 283.17 | 62.29 | 17,280 |
| 25 | 0.7079 | 707.92 | 155.72 | 43,200 |
| 50 | 1.4158 | 1,415.84 | 311.44 | 86,400 |
| 100 | 2.8317 | 2,831.68 | 622.88 | 172,800 |
| 500 | 14.158 | 14,158.4 | 3,114.4 | 864,000 |
| 1,000 | 28.317 | 28,316.8 | 6,228.8 | 1,728,000 |
Quick Conversion Factors
| To Convert | Multiply By | Or Divide By |
|---|---|---|
| Cubic feet to cubic metres | 0.0283168 | 35.3147 |
| Cubic feet to litres | 28.3168 | 0.0353147 |
| Cubic feet to UK gallons | 6.22884 | 0.160544 |
| Cubic feet to cubic inches | 1,728 | 0.000578704 |
| Cubic feet to cubic yards | 0.037037 | 27 |
Common Uses for Cubic Feet Calculations
Moving & Removals
UK removal companies quote based on cubic feet. Calculate total volume of furniture and boxes to get accurate quotes and choose the right van size.
Shipping & Freight
International shipping rates are often based on volumetric weight. Calculate cubic feet to determine container requirements and shipping costs.
Storage Units
Self-storage facilities quote in square feet floor space, but knowing total cubic feet helps optimise vertical stacking and choose the right unit size.
HVAC & Ventilation
Room volume in cubic feet determines heating, cooling, and ventilation requirements. Essential for calculating BTU requirements for radiators and air conditioning.
Appliances
Refrigerator and freezer capacities are often listed in cubic feet (US/UK) or litres (Europe). Compare appliance sizes using consistent measurements.
Construction Materials
Calculate volumes for concrete, aggregates, soil, and other bulk materials. While the UK often uses cubic metres, many suppliers still quote in cubic feet.
UK Removal Volume Estimates
Planning a house move? Here's a guide to typical volumes for different property sizes:
| Property Type | Estimated Volume (ft³) | Volume (m³) | Typical Van Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio flat | 150-250 | 4-7 | Small van / Luton |
| 1-bed flat | 250-400 | 7-11 | Luton van |
| 2-bed flat/house | 400-650 | 11-18 | Large Luton / 7.5t |
| 3-bed house | 700-1,000 | 20-28 | 7.5t truck |
| 4-bed house | 1,000-1,500 | 28-42 | 18t truck |
| 5+ bed house | 1,500-2,500+ | 42-70+ | Multiple loads / Container |
Removal Company Tips
- Get at least 3 quotes from BAR (British Association of Removers) members
- Volumes are typically 10-20% higher if you haven't decluttered
- Garden furniture, sheds, and loft contents are often underestimated
- Access issues (stairs, narrow streets) may require smaller loads
Shipping Container Capacities
For international moves or freight shipping, here are standard container volumes:
| Container Type | Internal Volume (ft³) | Volume (m³) | Max Payload |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10ft Container | 552 | 15.6 | 10,000 kg |
| 20ft Container (TEU) | 1,169 | 33.1 | 21,700 kg |
| 40ft Container | 2,385 | 67.5 | 26,500 kg |
| 40ft High-Cube | 2,694 | 76.3 | 26,200 kg |
| 45ft High-Cube | 3,040 | 86.1 | 25,600 kg |
Volumetric vs Actual Weight
Shipping charges are based on chargeable weight - the higher of actual weight or volumetric weight. Volumetric weight = (L × W × H in cm) ÷ 5000 for air freight, or ÷ 6000 for sea freight. Light but bulky items cost more per kg to ship.
Practical CFT Applications in the UK
While the UK officially uses the metric system, cubic feet remain widely used in several industries and everyday contexts. Understanding how to work with CFT measurements is essential for anyone involved in property, shipping, construction, or home improvement in Britain.
Removals and House Moving
UK removal companies typically estimate the volume of household contents in cubic feet to calculate costs and determine the size of van needed. A one-bedroom flat averages 300-400 cubic feet of belongings, a three-bedroom house around 800-1,200 cubic feet, and a large four-bedroom house can reach 1,500-2,000 cubic feet. The British Association of Removers (BAR) recommends getting at least three quotes, and understanding volume estimates helps you compare them fairly. A standard Luton van holds approximately 500 cubic feet, while a large 18-tonne removal lorry can accommodate 1,500-1,800 cubic feet. Knowing your estimated volume in CFT lets you judge whether the van size quoted is appropriate for your move.
Self-Storage Unit Sizing
The UK self-storage industry, worth over £1 billion, typically advertises units in square feet of floor space, but the usable capacity depends on the ceiling height. Most units have 8-foot ceilings, so a 50 square foot unit provides approximately 400 cubic feet of storage. The Self Storage Association UK recommends allowing 75 cubic feet per room of household furniture as a rough guide. A single wardrobe occupies about 40 cubic feet, a three-seater sofa roughly 50 cubic feet, and a double bed with mattress around 60 cubic feet. Stacking items efficiently can reduce the unit size you need by 30-40%, directly cutting your monthly storage costs, which average £15-£25 per square foot per year across the UK.
Concrete and Building Materials
For UK DIY and construction projects, concrete, gravel, and aggregates are often sold by the cubic metre, but many builders still think in cubic feet. One cubic metre equals 35.31 cubic feet. A standard UK concrete mixer holds about 3-4 cubic feet per batch, so filling a foundation trench measuring 30 cubic feet requires approximately 8-10 mixer loads. Ready-mix concrete delivered by truck is sold per cubic metre, with minimum orders typically 1-3 cubic metres (35-106 cubic feet). For small projects, pre-mixed bags from builders' merchants like Travis Perkins or Jewson produce about 0.5 cubic feet per 25kg bag, meaning a 20 cubic foot project would need roughly 40 bags at around £5 each.
Frequently Asked Questions
A cubic foot (ft³ or CFT) is a unit of volume representing a cube with sides of one foot (12 inches or 30.48 cm). It equals approximately 28.317 litres or 0.0283 cubic metres. Cubic feet are commonly used in the UK and US for measuring shipping containers, storage units, refrigerators, and room volumes.
To calculate cubic feet, multiply length × width × height, with all measurements in feet. If dimensions are in inches, divide each by 12 first. For metres, multiply each by 3.28084. For centimetres, divide each by 30.48. The formula is: Volume (ft³) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Height (ft).
One cubic metre equals approximately 35.315 cubic feet. Conversely, one cubic foot equals 0.0283168 cubic metres. This conversion is essential for shipping quotes between UK and international carriers who may use different measurement systems.
UK removal companies typically estimate: 1-bed flat needs 250-350 cubic feet, 2-bed house needs 400-600 cubic feet, 3-bed house needs 700-1,000 cubic feet, and 4-bed house needs 1,000-1,500 cubic feet. These estimates include furniture, boxes, and household items.
A 20ft shipping container holds approximately 1,169 cubic feet (33.1 m³). A 40ft container holds about 2,385 cubic feet (67.5 m³). A 40ft high-cube container holds around 2,694 cubic feet (76.3 m³). For partial loads, calculate your total cubic feet and compare to container capacity.
One cubic foot equals 28.317 litres. To convert, multiply cubic feet by 28.317. For example, 10 cubic feet = 283.17 litres. This is useful for comparing refrigerator capacities (often stated in litres in the UK) or tank volumes.
A typical UK room with dimensions 12ft × 10ft × 8ft (ceiling height) has a volume of 960 cubic feet. Small bedrooms average 700-900 ft³, living rooms 1,000-1,500 ft³, and master bedrooms 1,200-1,800 ft³. This is useful for calculating heating, air conditioning, and ventilation requirements.
Cubic feet measure volume (length × width × height), while board feet are used specifically for timber and equal a piece 1 foot × 1 foot × 1 inch thick. One board foot = 1/12 cubic foot. Timber merchants often quote prices per board foot or per cubic metre.
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Expert Reviewed — This calculator is reviewed by our team of financial experts and updated regularly with the latest UK tax rates and regulations. Last verified: February 2026.
Last updated: February 2026 | Verified with latest UK rates
Pro Tips for Accurate Results
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Understanding Your Results
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- Accurate formulas - Based on official UK standards
- Clear explanations - Understand how results are derived
- 2025/26 updated - Using current rates and regulations
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