Cubic meter (m³)

Definition

The SI unit of volume, a cube one meter on each side — exactly 1000 liters.

History

The cubic meter is the SI unit of volume, a cube one meter on each side, equal to 1000 liters. It came with the meter in the metric system.

Where it is used

Cubic meters measure water and gas supply, shipping volume and bulk storage across the metric world.

Typical uses include water and gas bills, shipping and storage.

Conversion pages

These pages convert cubic meter to or from another unit in volume.

• Cubic meter to cubic foot

Other Volume units

• Liter (L)
• Milliliter (mL)
• US gallon (gal)
• US quart (qt)
• US pint (pt)
• US cup (cup)
• US fluid ounce (fl oz)
• Tablespoon (tbsp)
• Teaspoon (tsp)
• Cubic foot (ft³)

Sources

• BIPM SI BIPM SI Brochure (2019); the cubic metre (m³) is the coherent SI unit of volume, the cube of the metre (1 m³ = 1000 L) · Dataset reviewed Nov 11, 2026