How do I calculate volume for concrete or aggregate orders?

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.

How many litres are in a cubic metre?

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.

How do I measure the volume of an irregular shaped area?

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.

What volume of concrete do I need for a shed base?

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.

How do I calculate the volume of a circular pond or tank?

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.

TradeCalcs

Volume Calculator — Calculate m³ and Litres

Calculate the volume of cuboids, cylinders, cones, spheres, and irregular shapes. Results shown in cubic metres and litres.

Shape

Select the 3D shape you want to calculate

Length

Width

Height / Depth

How We Calculate This

This volume calculator uses standard geometric formulas to compute the volume of common 3D shapes. All measurements should be entered in metres. Results are given in both cubic metres (m³) and litres.

Formulas used

Cuboid: Length × Width × Height
Cylinder: π × Radius² × Height
Cone: π × Radius² × Height ÷ 3
Sphere: 4/3 × π × Radius³
Irregular: Sum of individual cuboid volumes

Litre conversion

1 cubic metre = 1,000 litres. This is an exact conversion. The litre value is particularly useful when sizing water tanks, calculating liquid volumes for mixing, or understanding capacity in more familiar terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.