This tool converts volumes expressed in cubic inches (in³) to liters (L) and back. It uses the internationally accepted relationship between these units, so results are precise enough for engineering, hobbyist, and everyday uses.

What is a Cubic Inch?

A cubic inch (written in³) represents the volume of a cube whose sides are each one inch long. In imperial/US-customary measurement systems, it’s often used to express volumes for example, engine displacements, box capacities, or smaller-scale three-dimensional measurements.

Because 1 inch is defined precisely as 2.54 cm, one cubic inch equals exactly 16.387 cubic centimeters (cm³).

What is a Liter?

A liter (symbol L) is a unit widely used with the metric system to express volume especially for fluids, but also more generally for space/volume measurements. One liter is defined as the volume occupied by a cube that is 10 cm on each side, which amounts to 1,000 cubic centimeters.

How to convert (formula)

To convert from cubic inches to liters:

liters = cubic_inches × 0.016387064

To convert from liters to cubic inches:

cubic_inches = liters ÷ 0.016387064   (or × 61.0237440947)

Example: 15 in³ → liters
15 × 0.016387064 = 0.24580596 L.

Conversion Table

• 0.01 in³ = 0.0001638706 L.
• 0.1 in³ = 0.0016387064 L.
• 1 in³ = 0.016387064 L.
• 10 in³ = 0.16387064 L.
• 100 in³ = 1.6387064 L.
• 1000 in³ = 16.387064 L.

Why that factor?

The conversion comes from the definitions of the base units: an inch is defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters, and a liter is the volume of a 10 cm × 10 cm × 10 cm cube (1 cubic decimeter = 1 L). Converting cubic inches to cubic centimeters and then to liters yields the factor 0.016387064.

Where this is useful

• Automotive and small-engine specs (engine displacement is sometimes expressed in cubic inches).
• Converting legacy designs, molds, or container sizes from imperial to metric units.
• Laboratory or workshop tasks where container capacity is given in cubic inches but you need metric volumes for recipes, chemicals, or fluids.

FAQs

Q3. How many liters are in 1 cubic inch?

A: 1 cubic inch = 0.016387064 liters.

Q2. Is a liter the same as a cubic centimeter?

A: No, 1 liter = 1,000 cubic centimeters (cm³ or mL). A cubic centimeter equals 0.001 liters.

Q3. Are there regional differences I should worry about (US vs. UK)?

A: The liter is the same everywhere. Be careful with gallons, quarts, pints and other imperial/US customary units those differ between US and UK measures. Use the appropriate converter when switching between gallons and liters.

Sources: UnitConverters.net, Spicer Parts, Inch Calculator, XConvert, HomeEdit, ConvertUnits.com