Convert Cubic Inch to Barrel (in³ → bbl)
The cubic inch measures classic American engine displacement and small-volume manufacturing tolerances.
Cubic Inch to Barrel Conversion Table
10 common values| Cubic Inch | Barrel |
|---|---|
| 1 in³ | 0.000103 bbl |
| 2 in³ | 0.000206 bbl |
| 5 in³ | 0.000515 bbl |
| 10 in³ | 0.001031 bbl |
| 20 in³ | 0.002061 bbl |
| 50 in³ | 0.005154 bbl |
| 100 in³ | 0.010307 bbl |
| 200 in³ | 0.020614 bbl |
| 500 in³ | 0.051536 bbl |
| 1,000 in³ | 0.103072 bbl |
How to Convert Cubic Inch to Barrel Manually
Step by StepConverting cubic inches to barrels is straightforward: multiply by the conversion factor. Follow these three steps to do it by hand or in your head.
- 1Take your value in cubic inchesStart with the number of cubic inches (in³) you want to convert.
- 2Multiply by 0.000103The conversion factor from in³ to bbl is 0.000103. Multiply your value by this number.
- 3Read the result in barrelsThe result is your value in barrels (bbl).
Formula
Multiply the value in cubic inches by 0.000103. For the reverse direction, multiply by 9,702.
bbl = in³ × 0.000103in³ = bbl × 9,702Tips
Use these in everyday conversions- 1 in³ = 16.387 cm³ exactly.
- To convert cubic inches to litres, divide by 61.02.
- US automotive ads today quote both cu in and L for classic cars.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these- Confusing in³ with in² or linear inches.
- Using 16 instead of 16.387 on precision machining.
- Assuming modern European engines are marked in cu in — they are always in L or cc.
About Cubic Inch and Barrel
What is the Cubic Inch?
The cubic inch equals exactly 16.387064 cubic centimeters and is the traditional American unit for engine displacement and small-volume manufacturing measurements. Classic American muscle cars were famously identified by their cubic-inch engine size: the Ford 'Boss 429' had a 429-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) V8, and the Chevrolet 'Big Block 454' was 7.4 liters. Modern American automakers have transitioned mostly to liter-based naming (e.g., 'Hemi 5.7'), but the cubic inch persists in vintage car culture and aviation engines. It is also used for printer-paper coverage and industrial tolerances. The cubic inch relates to the cubic foot (1,728 in³ = 1 ft³), the cubic centimeter (1 in³ ≈ 16.39 cm³), the milliliter (1 in³ ≈ 16.39 mL), and the US fluid ounce (1 fl oz ≈ 1.805 in³).
- Classic US car engine displacement
- Firearms chamber and cartridge specs
- Some US machining and mould design
350 cu in V8 = 5.7 L engine. 302 cu in Ford V8 = 4.9 L. Modern specs typically give litres.
What is the Barrel?
The oil barrel equals exactly 42 US gallons (158.987 liters) and is the global benchmark unit for crude oil pricing and trading. The 42-gallon size dates to the 1860s Pennsylvania oil boom, when oil was shipped in repurposed wooden barrels of various sizes; the standard settled at 42 gallons as a practical industry compromise. Today, the oil barrel is virtually synonymous with crude oil — Brent crude and WTI prices are quoted per barrel ($/bbl), OPEC tracks production in barrels per day, and proven reserves are listed in billions of barrels. Despite metrication, the barrel persists in petroleum trading and journalism worldwide. It relates to the US gallon (1 bbl = 42 US gal), the cubic meter (1 bbl ≈ 0.159 m³), and the liter (1 bbl ≈ 159 L). Note that beer and wine barrels have different volumes.
- Crude oil international pricing (Brent, WTI)
- Petroleum product reporting (OPEC, EIA)
- Energy-sector financial reporting
Brent crude and WTI oil are priced in US dollars per barrel. Global oil demand is about 100 million barrels per day.