Cubic Feet to Gallons Converter

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Created by: Isabelle Clarke

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This cubic feet to gallons converter transforms volume measurements between cubic feet and gallons using precise conversion factors. The calculator supports both US and Imperial gallons for international compatibility and engineering accuracy.

Cubic Feet to Gallons Converter

Conversion

Convert volume between cubic feet and gallons

Related Calculators

What is a Cubic Feet to Gallons Converter?

A Cubic Feet to Gallons Converter is a volume conversion tool that transforms measurements between cubic feet (a unit of volume in the imperial system) and gallons (a unit of liquid volume). This converter is essential for engineering calculations, plumbing applications, pool maintenance, water tank sizing, and any situation where precise volume conversions between solid cubic measurements and liquid capacity are required.

The converter operates bidirectionally, allowing users to convert from cubic feet to gallons or from gallons to cubic feet using standardized conversion factors. It supports both US gallons and Imperial gallons, recognizing the difference between these measurement systems used in different countries and applications, ensuring accurate conversions for international projects and specifications.

This tool is invaluable for engineers, plumbers, pool technicians, aquarium enthusiasts, water system designers, and anyone working with liquid storage calculations. It eliminates calculation errors and provides instant, precise conversions for professional applications, home projects, and educational purposes where volume relationships need to be understood.

Cubic Feet to Gallons Conversion Formulas

The conversion between cubic feet and gallons uses different factors depending on the gallon type:

Cubic Feet to US Gallons

US Gallons = Cubic Feet × 7.48052

US Gallons to Cubic Feet

Cubic Feet = US Gallons ÷ 7.48052

Cubic Feet to Imperial Gallons

Imperial Gallons = Cubic Feet × 6.22884

Imperial Gallons to Cubic Feet

Cubic Feet = Imperial Gallons ÷ 6.22884

Where:

  • Cubic Feet (ft³) = Volume measurement in three-dimensional space
  • US Gallon = 231 cubic inches = 3.785412 liters
  • Imperial Gallon = 277.42 cubic inches = 4.546092 liters
  • 7.48052 = Exact conversion factor for US gallons per cubic foot
  • 6.22884 = Exact conversion factor for Imperial gallons per cubic foot

Fundamental Relationships

  • 1 cubic foot = 1,728 cubic inches
  • 1 US gallon = 231 cubic inches
  • 1 Imperial gallon = 277.42 cubic inches
  • 1 cubic foot = 7.48052 US gallons
  • 1 cubic foot = 6.22884 Imperial gallons

Gallon Type Differences

  • US Liquid Gallon: Used in the United States for most liquid measurements
  • Imperial Gallon: Used in the United Kingdom, Canada, and other Commonwealth countries
  • Size difference: Imperial gallon is approximately 20% larger than US gallon

Volume Context

  • Cubic foot: Volume of a cube with 1-foot sides
  • Common applications: Room volumes, storage tanks, concrete calculations
  • Gallon applications: Liquid storage, fuel tanks, swimming pools

Precision and Accuracy

The conversion factors are based on internationally standardized definitions and provide accurate results for all engineering, commercial, and scientific applications requiring precise volume conversions.

How to Convert Cubic Feet to Gallons: Examples

Let's work through practical examples for both gallon systems:

Example 1: Cubic Feet to US Gallons

Convert 10 cubic feet to US gallons.

Step-by-Step Calculation

  1. Given: 10 cubic feet
  2. Conversion factor: 1 cubic foot = 7.48052 US gallons
  3. Formula: US Gallons = Cubic Feet × 7.48052
  4. Substitute: US Gallons = 10 × 7.48052
  5. Calculate: US Gallons = 74.8052
  6. Result: 10 cubic feet = 74.81 US gallons

Example 2: US Gallons to Cubic Feet

Convert 500 US gallons to cubic feet.

Step-by-Step Calculation

  1. Given: 500 US gallons
  2. Conversion factor: 1 cubic foot = 7.48052 US gallons
  3. Formula: Cubic Feet = US Gallons ÷ 7.48052
  4. Substitute: Cubic Feet = 500 ÷ 7.48052
  5. Calculate: Cubic Feet = 66.84
  6. Result: 500 US gallons = 66.84 cubic feet

Example 3: Cubic Feet to Imperial Gallons

Convert 15 cubic feet to Imperial gallons.

Step-by-Step Calculation

  1. Given: 15 cubic feet
  2. Conversion factor: 1 cubic foot = 6.22884 Imperial gallons
  3. Formula: Imperial Gallons = Cubic Feet × 6.22884
  4. Substitute: Imperial Gallons = 15 × 6.22884
  5. Calculate: Imperial Gallons = 93.43
  6. Result: 15 cubic feet = 93.43 Imperial gallons

Example 4: Pool Volume Calculation

A rectangular pool measures 8 ft × 12 ft × 4 ft deep. How many US gallons does it hold?

Step-by-Step Calculation

  1. Calculate volume: Volume = 8 × 12 × 4 = 384 cubic feet
  2. Convert to gallons: US Gallons = 384 × 7.48052
  3. Calculate: US Gallons = 2,872.52
  4. Result: The pool holds 2,873 US gallons

Example 5: Tank Sizing

How many cubic feet of space is needed for a 1,000 Imperial gallon water tank?

Step-by-Step Calculation

  1. Given: 1,000 Imperial gallons
  2. Formula: Cubic Feet = Imperial Gallons ÷ 6.22884
  3. Substitute: Cubic Feet = 1,000 ÷ 6.22884
  4. Calculate: Cubic Feet = 160.54
  5. Result: 160.54 cubic feet of space is needed

Common Applications

  • Swimming Pool Design: Calculate pool water capacity for chemical treatment, heating systems, and pump sizing.
  • Water Tank Sizing: Determine tank dimensions for residential, commercial, and industrial water storage systems.
  • Plumbing Engineering: Calculate pipe capacity, water flow rates, and system storage requirements.
  • Aquarium Planning: Determine water volume for fish tank sizing, filtration system design, and chemical dosing.
  • Construction Projects: Convert concrete volumes to understand liquid equivalent capacities for various structures.
  • Fuel Storage: Calculate fuel tank capacities and storage facility requirements for aviation and automotive applications.
  • HVAC Systems: Size water storage tanks for heating and cooling systems in buildings.
  • Agriculture: Calculate irrigation reservoir capacities and livestock water storage needs.
  • Marine Applications: Determine fuel and water tank capacities for boats and ships.
  • Environmental Engineering: Calculate stormwater retention volumes and wastewater treatment facility capacities.

Sources and References

  1. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2019). Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI). U.S. Department of Commerce.
  2. International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM). (2019). The International System of Units (SI). 9th Edition.
  3. American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). (2020). Civil Engineering Reference Manual. 16th Edition.