This table shows common cubic feet values converted to litres. Perfect for quick reference when working with volume measurements in different contexts.
Cubic Feet (ft³)
Litres (L)
0.5
14.16
1
28.32
2
56.63
3
84.95
4
113.27
5
141.58
10
283.17
15
424.75
20
566.34
25
707.92
50
1,415.84
75
2,123.76
100
2,831.68
Conversion Formula & Steps
Cubic Feet to Litres:
Litres = Cubic Feet × 28.316847
Litres to Cubic Feet:
Cubic Feet = Litres × 0.0353147
How to Convert Cubic Feet to Litres
Take your volume measurement in cubic feet
Multiply the value by 28.316847
The result is your volume in litres
Round to your desired decimal places
Worked Example
Convert 15 cubic feet to litres:
15 ft³ × 28.316847 = 424.752705 L
Rounded: 424.75 litres
Convert 500 litres to cubic feet:
500 L × 0.0353147 = 17.65735 ft³
Rounded: 17.66 cubic feet
Understanding the Units
What is a Cubic Foot?
A cubic foot (ft³) represents the volume of a cube with sides measuring one foot in length. It’s commonly used in the United States and UK for measuring larger volumes, particularly in construction, freight, and storage. When you buy a fridge or measure room size, cubic feet often comes into play.
What is a Litre?
A litre is the standard metric unit for volume. It equals one cubic decimetre (a cube 10 cm on each side). The UK officially uses metric measurements, making litres the go-to unit for most liquid volumes. You’ll see litres everywhere from petrol stations to milk bottles.
Everyday Comparisons
1 cubic foot (28.32 L) = About 19 standard wine bottles (750 ml each)
5 cubic feet (141.58 L) = Roughly the capacity of a small washing machine
10 cubic feet (283.17 L) = Similar to a large chest freezer
50 cubic feet (1,415.84 L) = About the volume of a standard garden shed
100 litres (3.53 ft³) = A typical residential hot water tank
When You’ll Need This Conversion
Home & DIY Projects
Renovating your home? Builders might quote room volumes in cubic feet whilst paint coverage gets listed in litres per square metre. Converting between the two helps you order the right amount of materials without waste.
Aquariums & Fish Tanks
Fish tank sizes get advertised in both cubic feet and litres depending on the manufacturer. Knowing the conversion matters when you’re calculating water treatment chemicals or choosing equipment rated for specific volumes.
Shipping & Storage
International shipping companies often measure cargo space in cubic feet, but UK storage facilities might use litres or cubic metres. Converting cubic feet to litres helps you work out whether your belongings will actually fit.
Air Conditioning & Heating
HVAC specifications can be confusing. Room sizes get measured in cubic feet, but some European air conditioning units specify capacity in litres or cubic metres. Getting the conversion right means proper climate control.
Related Volume Conversions
Cubic Feet to Gallons (UK)
1 ft³ = 6.229 UK gallons
Multiply cubic feet by 6.229
Cubic Feet to Cubic Metres
1 ft³ = 0.0283168 m³
Multiply cubic feet by 0.0283168
Litres to Cubic Metres
1 L = 0.001 m³
Divide litres by 1,000
Litres to Millilitres
1 L = 1,000 ml
Multiply litres by 1,000
Cubic Inches to Litres
1 in³ = 0.0163871 L
Multiply cubic inches by 0.0163871
Pints (UK) to Litres
1 pt = 0.568261 L
Multiply pints by 0.568261
FAQs
How many litres are in a cubic foot?
One cubic foot equals approximately 28.316847 litres. For most practical purposes, you can round this to 28.32 litres. This conversion factor remains constant regardless of what substance fills the volume.
Why do we use different volume measurements in the UK?
The UK officially uses the metric system (litres), but imperial measurements (cubic feet) still appear in certain industries, particularly construction and property. Some products also come from countries using different systems, making conversions necessary.
Is the conversion the same for liquids and gases?
Yes, cubic feet and litres both measure volume, not mass. The conversion factor stays the same whether you’re measuring air, water, or any other substance. However, the weight of that volume will vary depending on the material’s density.
How do I convert cubic metres to cubic feet?
First convert cubic metres to litres by multiplying by 1,000. Then convert those litres to cubic feet by multiplying by 0.0353147. Alternatively, multiply cubic metres directly by 35.3147 to get cubic feet.
What’s the difference between UK gallons and US gallons?
UK gallons are larger than US gallons. One UK gallon equals 4.546 litres, whilst one US gallon equals only 3.785 litres. This matters when converting cubic feet, as one cubic foot equals 6.229 UK gallons but 7.481 US gallons.
Can I use this conversion for calculating tank capacity?
Absolutely. Whether you’re working out water tank capacity, aquarium volume, or fuel tank size, this conversion applies. Just measure or calculate the volume in cubic feet, then multiply by 28.316847 to get litres.
How precise should my conversion be?
For most everyday uses, rounding to two decimal places suffices. Construction projects might need more precision, whilst rough estimates for storage or shipping can use whole numbers. The converter lets you choose your precision level.
What if I only have dimensions in feet?
Multiply length × width × height (all in feet) to get cubic feet first. For example, a space measuring 4 ft × 3 ft × 2 ft equals 24 cubic feet. Then convert to litres using the formula: 24 × 28.316847 = 679.60 litres.
