Rectangular Prism Volume Calculator
Calculate the volume of a rectangular prism (cuboid) by entering its length, width, and height. A rectangular prism is a 3D shape with six rectangular faces.
Formula:
Volume=l × w × h
Where:
- l = Length of the rectangular prism
- w = Width of the rectangular prism
- h = Height of the rectangular prism
Unit of Measurement:
cm
The length of the rectangular prism
cm
The width of the rectangular prism
cm
The height of the rectangular prism
Result
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About Rectangular Prism Volume
A rectangular prism (also called a cuboid) is a three-dimensional shape with six rectangular faces. It can be thought of as a 3D rectangle.
The volume of a rectangular prism is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height. This gives us the formula V = l × w × h, where l is the length,w is the width, and h is the height.
For example, if the length is 5 cm, the width is 3 cm, and the height is 2 cm, the volume would be 5 × 3 × 2 = 30 cm³.
How to Calculate Rectangular Prism Volume
Step 1: Measure the Dimensions
Measure the length, width, and height of the rectangular prism. Make sure to use the same unit of measurement for all three dimensions.
Step 2: Multiply the Dimensions
Multiply the length, width, and height together to find the volume. For example, if length = 4 cm, width = 3 cm, and height = 5 cm: Volume = 4 × 3 × 5 = 60 cm³.
Step 3: Add the Unit
The result will be in cubic units. If you measured in centimeters, your result will be in cubic centimeters (cm³). If you measured in inches, your result will be in cubic inches (in³), and so on.
Practical Applications
Shipping and Packaging
Calculate the volume of boxes for shipping to determine costs and material needs.
Construction
Calculate volumes of rooms, concrete slabs, or building components for materials estimation.
Storage Planning
Determine capacity of storage spaces, containers, and furniture for efficient space utilization.
Manufacturing
Calculate material volumes for product design, molds, and production planning.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- Consistent Units: Always use the same unit of measurement for all three dimensions to avoid calculation errors.
- Orientation Doesn't Matter: The volume remains the same regardless of which dimension you call length, width, or height.
- Not a Cube: Remember that in a rectangular prism, the length, width, and height can all be different (unlike a cube where they're all equal).
- Check Your Arithmetic: A common mistake is simple multiplication errors, so double-check your calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
A cube is a special type of rectangular prism where all three dimensions (length, width, and height) are equal. Every cube is a rectangular prism, but not every rectangular prism is a cube. In a general rectangular prism, the three dimensions can all be different values. The formula for volume calculation is the same for both: V = length × width × height, but for a cube, you can simplify it to V = side³ since all sides are equal.
Tips
- Enter the dimensions in the same unit for consistency.
- Results update automatically as you type.
- Use the unit selector to convert between different measurement systems.
Need Help?
Check out our guide on how to use this calculator properly and understand the concepts behind it.
Learn how to calculate rectangular prism volume