Convert Metric Units of Volume

Converting volume units of measurement can be a challenging concept, as we need to ensure we consider volume conversion factors. 

When we are converting from, for example, metres into centimetres, we know that 1 m = 100 cm.

This leads to the misconception that 1 m³ = 100 cm³.

BUT, in reality, 1 m³ = 1,000,000 cm³.

Let's look at what's happening here with a diagram to help.

Looking at the volume of these two identical cubes, we can say that:

1 m × 1 m × 1 m = 100 cm × 100 cm × 100 cm

1 m³ = 1,000,000 cm³

Is there a trick here?

In a way, yes.

All we need to do for a volume conversion is to find the conversion if we were dealing with a length and then cube it to get the volume conversion factor.

Let's look at this process in action with some examples now.

e.g. Convert 1.4 m³ into cm³.

We know that for length, 1 m = 100 cm.

So for volume, 1 m³ = 1,000,000 cm³.

So 1.4 m³ = 1.4 × 1000000 = 14000000 cm³.

e.g. Convert 350 m³ into km³.

We know that for length, 1 km = 1000 m.

So for volume, 1 km³ = 1,000,000,000 m³.

So 350 m³ = 350 ÷ 1000000000 = 0.00000035 m³.

In this activity, we will convert volume amounts between different units of measurements (cm³, m³, km³) using the method shown above of calculating and applying a volume conversion factor.