Convert in3 to L – Cubic Inches to Liters Example Problems

Cubic inches ( in³ ) and liters ( L ) are both units of volume. Cubic inches is an imperial unit still used in engineering and a liter is a metric unit adopted into the international SI units. These two example problems show how to convert in³ to L and L to in³.

in³ to L Conversion Factor

1 in³ = 0.16387 L

This is how you get that number. Use the conversion:

1 inch = 2.54 cm

Cube both of these values to get in³ and cm³.

(1 in)³ = (2.54 cm)³

1 in³ = 16.387 cm³

cm³ is the same volume as mL, therefore:

1 in³ = 16.387 mL

There are 1000 mL in one liter.

1 L = 1000 mL

Use this to convert mL to L

1 in³ = 0.016387 L

in³ to L Conversion Example Problem

Question: Many small car engines on the road have an engine displacement of 150 cubic inches. What is this volume in Liters?

Solution: Multiply the 150 in³ by the conversion factor where the undesired in³ unit is in the denominator.

This allows us to cancel out the in³ and leave only the L unit.

150 in³ = 2.46 L

Answer: An engine displacement of 150 in³ is equal to 2.46 Liters.

L to in³ Conversion Example Problem

Question: Many modern V-8 engines are labeled as either 4.5 L or 5.0 L engines. How many cubic inches is a 5.0 L engine?

Solution: Multiply the 5.0 L by the conversion factor. This time, put the L unit in the denominator to cancel it out.

5.0 L = 305.1 in³

Answer: A 5.0 L engine has a 305 in³ engine displacement.

The key to this type of problem is arranging your conversion factor to allow the unwanted unit to cancel out. A further detailed explanation of how this works can be found at How to Convert Between Units – The Ladder Method.