Convert Cubic Inch to Liter (in³ → L)
The cubic inch measures classic American engine displacement and small-volume manufacturing tolerances.
Cubic Inch to Liter Conversion Table
10 common values| Cubic Inch | Liter |
|---|---|
| 1 in³ | 0.016387 L |
| 2 in³ | 0.032774 L |
| 5 in³ | 0.081935 L |
| 10 in³ | 0.163871 L |
| 20 in³ | 0.327741 L |
| 50 in³ | 0.819353 L |
| 100 in³ | 1.638706 L |
| 200 in³ | 3.277413 L |
| 500 in³ | 8.193532 L |
| 1,000 in³ | 16.387064 L |
How to Convert Cubic Inch to Liter Manually
Step by StepConverting cubic inches to liters 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 0.016387The conversion factor from in³ to L is 0.016387. Multiply your value by this number.
- 3Read the result in litersThe result is your value in liters (L).
Formula
Multiply the value in cubic inches by 0.016387. For the reverse direction, multiply by 61.023744.
L = in³ × 0.016387in³ = L × 61.023744Tips
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 Liter
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 Liter?
The liter equals exactly 1 cubic decimeter (1 dm³ = 0.001 m³) and is the everyday metric unit for liquids worldwide. Adopted as part of the metric system in the 1790s, the liter is used universally for beverages, fuel, household chemicals, and cooking liquids — except in the United States where gallons and fluid ounces dominate. The liter has special connection to mass: pure water at 4°C has almost exactly 1 kg per liter, a relationship designed into the metric system. Soda, milk, and water bottles in metric countries come in 0.5 L, 1 L, 1.5 L, and 2 L sizes. The liter relates to the milliliter (1,000 mL = 1 L), the cubic meter (1,000 L = 1 m³), the US gallon (1 L ≈ 0.264 gal), and the UK gallon (1 L ≈ 0.220 imp gal). Although not strictly an SI base unit, the liter is one of the most-used metric units globally.
- Bottled beverages and milk in Europe
- Petrol and diesel pricing in metric countries
- Engine displacement (car engines rated in litres)
A standard European petrol-car fuel tank is 50–60 L. A 2.0 L engine has a 2 litre displacement. A typical home boiler holds 150 L of hot water.