Cup to Cubic meter Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert cups to cubic meters with our free online volume converter.
Cup to Cubic meter Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Cup).
- The converted value in Cubic meter will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Volume category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Cup to Cubic meter
Converting Cup to Cubic meter involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Cup = 0.000236588 cubic metersExample Calculation:
Convert 10 cups: 10 × 0.000236588 = 0.00236588 cubic meters
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.
What is a Cup and a Cubic meter?
The cup is a unit of volume used in cooking and measurements. The most common definition is the US customary cup (approx. 236.59 ml), but other definitions exist (e.g., metric cup = 250 ml).
The cubic meter (symbol m³) is the SI derived unit of volume. It is the volume of a cube with edges one meter in length. It represents a large volume and is often used for measuring capacities of containers, volumes of construction materials, or flow rates.
Note: The Cup is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Cubic meter belongs to the metric (SI) system.
History of the Cup and Cubic meter
The cup evolved as a traditional, informal unit of measurement in cooking, often related to the size of a typical teacup.
The cubic meter is derived directly from the meter, the SI base unit of length, which has a history dating back to the French Revolution. As the standard unit of volume within the International System of Units (SI), established in 1960, the cubic meter is the foundation upon which other metric volume units (like the liter) are often related or defined (1 m³ = 1000 L).
Common Uses for cups and cubic meters
Explore the typical applications for both Cup (imperial/US) and Cubic meter (metric) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for cups
- Cooking: Widely used in recipes, especially in North America, for measuring both liquid and dry ingredients.
- Beverages: Measuring coffee and tea portions in home brewing.
- Breakfast: Portioning breakfast cereals and grains.
- Staple Foods: Measuring rice, pasta, and other staple foods before cooking.
- Baking: Used in baking for flour, sugar, and other dry ingredients.
- Storage: Common unit for household food storage containers.
- Nutrition: Measuring serving sizes in dietary guidelines and nutrition information.
Common Uses for cubic meters
- Large Containers: Measuring the volume of large containers (shipping containers, swimming pools).
- Construction: Quantifying construction materials (concrete, gravel, soil).
- Architecture: Calculating the volume of rooms or buildings.
- Fluid Dynamics: Measuring water or gas flow rates (cubic meters per second/hour).
- Shipping: Cargo capacity for ships and trucks.
- Science & Engineering: Scientific and engineering calculations requiring SI units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Cup (cup)
Is a cup the same everywhere?
No, the volume of a "cup" can vary significantly by region (e.g., US customary ≈ 237 mL, US legal = 240 mL, metric = 250 mL, imperial ≈ 284 mL). This converter primarily uses the US customary cup unless otherwise specified in the context of a specific conversion pair.
How many tablespoons are in a cup?
In the US customary system, there are 16 tablespoons in 1 cup. This is a useful conversion to remember for scaling recipes up or down, especially when working with smaller quantities.
Is a dry cup different from a liquid cup?
Yes, in the US customary system, there is a distinction between dry and liquid cup measurements. While they have the same volume (8 fluid ounces), they are measured differently. Liquid cups are typically measured to the brim in a liquid measuring cup, while dry cups are measured by filling and leveling off in a dry measuring cup. For precise cooking results, it's best to use the appropriate measuring tool for each type of ingredient.
About Cubic meter (m³)
How large is a cubic meter?
Imagine a cube that is 1 meter tall, 1 meter wide, and 1 meter deep. That volume is one cubic meter. It's equivalent to 1,000 liters or about 264 US gallons.
Is cubic meter the same as meter cubed?
Yes, these terms refer to the same unit, m³. 'Cubic meter' is the more common way to say it.
Why use cubic meters instead of liters?
The cubic meter is the official SI unit for volume, making it standard in many scientific and engineering fields requiring strict adherence to SI. It's also more practical for very large volumes where using liters would result in extremely large numbers.
Conversion Table: Cup to Cubic meter
| Cup (cup) | Cubic meter (m³) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0 |
| 5 | 0.001 |
| 10 | 0.002 |
| 25 | 0.006 |
| 50 | 0.012 |
| 100 | 0.024 |
| 500 | 0.118 |
| 1,000 | 0.237 |