Unit of Volume - SI Units and Non-SI Units

Edited By Vishal kumar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:04 PM IST

Volume unit is the unit of measurement for measuring volume or capacity, the range of an object or three dimensional space. In this article we will discuss, what is Volume? What is definition of volume in science? What is definition of Volume in physics? What is SI unit of Volume? Or what is SI unit for volume? What is the standard unit of capacity? What is unit of measurement of volume? So let’s see,

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Unit of Volume - SI Units and Non-SI Units

What is Volume?

Definition: In physics, Volume is a fundamental physical quantity. Volume is an acquired quantity and it indicates the 3 dimensional extent of a body or object. The unit is mainly used to set out the volume of goods or fluids (liquid).

Example of Volume, the space that a matter can be solid, liquid, gas or plasma or some space-immersing shape. The volume of a vessel (container) is contemplated to be the capacity it can hold; i.e., the amount of liquid (fluid), a gas, or a liquid (fluid) that the vessel can hold, rather than the amount of space the vessel itself displaces, like Buoyant force in the water.

Key points:

3-D mathematical shapes are also allocating volumes. Volumes of shapes, such as the regular, straight-edged, and circular shapes can be simply calculated by using arithmetic formulas.
Volumes of complex shapes can be measured with the help of integral calculus when the formula for the boundary is given.

Volume of a Solid

Volume of a solid is regular or irregular. It can be found by liquid (fluid) displacement. Where the displacement of fluid (liquid) is used for finding the volume of a gas. The merge volume of 2 substances is consistently greater than the volume of just 1 of the substances (liquid or gas). Although, sometimes it takes place that one substance dissolves in the other, and in these cases, the merge or combine volume is not additive.

Definition: In science, the Volume refers to the amount of space the body or object takes up. In other words, volume is a measurement of the size of a body or object, like height and width are keys to describe size.

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What is SI unit Volume?

Volume measures the capacity. Therefore the SI unit of volume is a unit for measuring the capacity or the amount of an object or body or space. The unit m³ is mainly used to mention the volume of matter or fluids (liquid).

However, students are cognizant that mass and volume are 2 divergent physical quantities. The units of volume are given below:

Unit of Volume in Physics	SI unit of Volume is (Cubic meter)	Liter
1 Cubic meter	= 1	= 1000
1 barrel	= 0.158987294928	= 158.987294928
1 cubic inch	= 0.000016387064	= 0.016387064
1 cubic foot	= 0.028316846592	= 28.316846592
1 cubic decimeter	= 0.001	= 1
1 liter	= 0.001	= 1
1 gallon (US)	= 0.003785411784	= 3.785411784
1 pint (US)	= 0.000473176473	= 0.473176473
1 cubic centimeter	= 0.000001	= 0.001

These are the common units of volume

Other Volume Units

The unit of volume that is used to represent the volume incorporates the British system of measurements like barrels, drams, gills, bushels, pecks, among others. Therefore, few of the standard units used in the British system are the cubic inch or cubic foot and the gallon.

Volume in Thermodynamics

The volume of a system is the extensive variables to express the state’s thermodynamic state.

The particular specific volume is an intensive characteristic. It is the volume of the system/ unit.

Volume is independent of thermodynamic properties such as temperature and pressure.

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What is standard unit of capacity?

Litre

Capacity is measured in the SI base unit known liters (L). The most common units for capacity are liter (L) and milliliter (mL).

According to the metric system of measurement, most familiar units of volume are milliliters & liters.

In the metric system of weights and measures, the unit of volume conjointly includes the cubic decimeter (L), wherever one cubic decimeter = 10-centimetre cube.

Therefore, 1 litre = (10 cm)³ = 1000 cm³= 0.001 m³,

Therefore,

1 cubic metre = 1000 liters.

Small amounts of liquid are measured in milliliters units,

Where,

1 milliliter = 0.001 litres or 1 cubic centimeter.

Therefore, large amounts are measured in megalitres, i.e.,

1 million litres = 1000 cm³ or 1 ML.

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Several traditional units of volume are further in use, including the following units of volume list:

cubic inch,
the cubic foot,
the cubic yard,
the cubic mile,
the teaspoon,
the tablespoon,
the fluid ounce,
the fluid dram,
the gill,
the pint,
the quart,
the gallon,
the minim,
the barrel,
the cord,
the peck,
the bushel,
the hogshead,
Drams grills
Bushels
Pecks
the acre-foot, and
the board foot

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Give the Formula of Volume in Physics? Explain all Quantity Used in the Formula.

The formula for volume in Physics shown as;

= m/v

Where

ρ = density of the substance measured in the 2 below units:

kgm⁻³

gcm⁻³

The density of the substance can be contemplating similar characteristics to viscosity. Since, the viscosity of the liquid, which means more is its density, like honey, oil, etc.

m = the mass of the substance measured in metric weight unit and gramme.

Where

A mass is that the quantity of matter a body accommodates.

V = Volume is that the entire area taken by either of the states of matter within the vessel they're placed. Within the case of gas, a gas takes the form of the vessel it's unbroken in.

2. Give the definition of the SI-derived Unit.

SI-derived units are units that are derived from the 7 basic units taken on by the International System of Units (SI).

3. Give the definition of the Term Mass.

Mass is a measure of amount of matter in the object.

The SI base unit of mass is kg.

4. What is the si base unit for volume?

Volume of liquid is measured in liters.

5. Explain the methods to measure length.

The Si unit of length, the metre, was taken to be the distance between two lines marked on the international prototype bar of platinum-iridium alloy kept at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), Sevres, France. This definition of the metre was replaced in 1960 by a more precise one based on the wavelength of certain light and, subsequently, by one based on the speed of light.

Two Methods are used to measure lengths beyond 10² m/What is the SI unit for volume? m: (i) Triangulation and parallax methods involving angular measurements (ii) reflection methods using radio waves, ultrasound and laser. Both triangulation and reflection methods are used to measure large distances and heights on the Earth.

6. If length, force and time are taken as fundamental quantities, what would be the dimensional equations of (i) mass (ii) density?

Assume L, F and T denote the dimensions of the proposed fundamental quantities length, force and time, respectively.

Force = mass ×acceleration

∴ Mass= force/acceleration= F/LT^-2= L^-1FT²

Density= massVolume= L^-1FT²/L³=L^-4FT²

7. Write the base unit for volume/What is the standard unit of capacity?/What is the unit to measure liquid quantities?

Liter is the base unit of volume or standard unit of capacity or unit to measure liquid quantities.

8. What is the SI unit of volume and how is it derived?

The SI unit of volume is the cubic meter (m³). It is derived from the SI unit of length, the meter. One cubic meter is the volume of a cube with sides measuring 1 meter each. This unit is based on the fundamental concept that volume is three-dimensional space, represented by length cubed.

9. Why isn't there a base SI unit specifically for volume?

There isn't a base SI unit specifically for volume because volume can be derived from length. Since length is already a base SI unit (meter), volume can be expressed as length cubed (m³). This approach simplifies the SI system by reducing the number of base units needed while still allowing for accurate volume measurements.

10. How does the liter relate to cubic centimeters?

One liter is exactly equal to 1000 cubic centimeters (cm³). This relationship is based on the definition of a liter, which is the volume of a cube with sides measuring 10 cm. The equality between liters and cubic centimeters makes conversions between these units straightforward and highlights the connection between volume and length measurements.

11. Why is the liter commonly used instead of the cubic meter for everyday measurements?

The liter is commonly used for everyday measurements because it's a more practical size for many applications. One cubic meter (1000 liters) is too large for most household or personal uses. The liter provides a convenient scale for measuring liquids in cooking, beverages, fuel, and many other daily contexts. It strikes a balance between being large enough to be useful and small enough to be manageable.

12. What is the relationship between cubic meters and liters?

One cubic meter (m³) is equal to 1000 liters. This relationship stems from the definition of a liter, which is 1000 cubic centimeters or 0.001 cubic meters. Understanding this conversion is crucial for moving between SI and non-SI units of volume, especially when dealing with large-scale measurements where cubic meters are more appropriate, or smaller-scale measurements where liters are more practical.

13. How does the concept of volume differ from capacity?

Volume refers to the amount of three-dimensional space an object occupies, while capacity refers to the amount a container can hold. Although these terms are often used interchangeably in everyday language, there's a subtle difference. Volume applies to both solid objects and the space inside containers, while capacity specifically refers to the maximum volume a container can hold. For example, a bottle has a specific capacity, but the liquid inside has a volume.

14. What is the concept of displacement and how is it used to measure volume?

Displacement is a method used to measure the volume of irregularly shaped objects. When an object is submerged in a fluid, it displaces a volume of fluid equal to its own volume. By measuring the amount of fluid displaced, we can determine the object's volume. This method is based on Archimedes' principle and is particularly useful for objects that don't have simple geometric shapes, making direct measurement difficult.

15. How does the concept of volume apply to gases, and why is it more complex than for liquids or solids?

The concept of volume for gases is more complex because gases are highly compressible and expand to fill their container. Unlike liquids and solids, the volume of a gas depends strongly on pressure and temperature. This behavior is described by the ideal gas law (PV = nRT). When measuring gas volumes, it's crucial to specify the conditions (temperature and pressure) under which the measurement was made. This complexity is why standard temperature and pressure (STP) conditions are often used as a reference point for gas volume measurements.

16. How does the density of a substance relate to its volume?

Density is defined as mass per unit volume (typically g/cm³ or kg/m³). This relationship means that for a given mass, a substance with higher density will occupy less volume than a substance with lower density. Understanding this concept is crucial for comparing materials and predicting how much space a certain mass of a substance will occupy. It also explains why some objects float or sink in fluids of different densities.

17. What is the difference between volume and volumetric flow rate?

Volume is a measure of the amount of three-dimensional space occupied by a substance, while volumetric flow rate is the volume of fluid that passes a point in a system per unit time. Volumetric flow rate is typically measured in units like cubic meters per second (m³/s) or liters per minute (L/min). Understanding this difference is crucial in fields like fluid dynamics, engineering, and medicine, where the rate of fluid movement is often as important as the total volume.

18. How does temperature affect volume measurements?

Temperature affects volume measurements because most materials expand when heated and contract when cooled. This phenomenon, known as thermal expansion, can lead to significant changes in volume, especially for liquids and gases. For precise measurements, it's important to specify the temperature at which the volume was measured or to use temperature-compensated measuring devices. This concept is crucial in fields like metrology, engineering, and chemistry.

19. Why is it important to consider significant figures when reporting volume measurements?

Considering significant figures when reporting volume measurements is crucial because it conveys the precision of the measurement. The number of significant figures indicates the certainty of each digit in the measurement. Using too many significant figures implies a level of precision that may not be justified by the measuring instrument or method. Conversely, using too few can lead to unnecessary loss of precision. Proper use of significant figures is essential for accurate scientific communication and calculations.

20. What is the significance of partial molar volume in solution chemistry?

Partial molar volume is the change in the total volume of a solution when one mole of a component is added, keeping pressure, temperature, and the amounts of other components constant. This concept is significant in solution chemistry because it helps explain how the volume of a solution relates to the volumes of its components. Partial molar volumes can be positive, negative, or zero, indicating how components interact in solution. Understanding partial molar volumes is crucial for predicting solution properties, designing industrial processes, and studying molecular interactions in liquids.

21. What is the relationship between volume and pressure in hydraulic systems?

In hydraulic systems, volume and pressure are inversely related according to Pascal's principle. When a force is applied to a confined fluid, the pressure is transmitted equally in all directions. If the volume of the fluid is decreased (e.g., by a piston), the pressure increases proportionally. This relationship is the basis for hydraulic machines like car brakes and hydraulic lifts. Understanding this concept is crucial in engineering and design of fluid power systems, where small changes in volume can create large forces through pressure multiplication.

22. How does the concept of specific volume differ from density?

Specific volume is the inverse of density; it's the volume occupied by a unit mass of a substance. While density is mass per unit volume (e.g., kg/m³), specific volume is volume per unit mass (e.g., m³/kg). Specific volume is particularly useful in thermodynamics and engineering, especially when dealing with gases and vapors. It provides a different perspective on material properties, often making certain calculations more straightforward. Understanding both density and specific volume allows for more flexible problem-solving approaches in physics and engineering.

23. Why is it important to consider volume changes in chemical reactions?

Considering volume changes in chemical reactions is important for several reasons. First, some reactions produce gases, which can significantly increase the volume of the system. This can lead to pressure changes in closed systems or affect the concentration of reactants and products. Second, volume changes can indicate the nature of the reaction (e.g., whether bonds are forming or breaking). Third, in solution chemistry, volume changes can affect concentration and reaction rates. Understanding these volume changes is crucial for safe laboratory practices, industrial process design, and predicting reaction outcomes.

24. What is the significance of partial specific volume in biochemistry and protein science?

Partial specific volume is the change in volume of a solution when a small amount of solute is added, divided by the mass of the added solute. In biochemistry and protein science, it's particularly important for understanding the behavior of macromolecules in solution. The partial specific volume of proteins, for instance, provides information about their shape, hydration, and interactions with the solvent. This concept is crucial in techniques like analytical ultracentrifugation, where it's used to determine molecular weights and study protein-protein interactions. Understanding partial specific volume helps in predicting and interpreting the behavior of biomolecules in various solutions and cellular environments.

25. How does the concept of volume apply in nuclear physics, particularly in the study of atomic nuclei?

In nuclear physics, the volume of atomic nuclei is a fundamental property that provides insights into nuclear structure and behavior. The nuclear volume is related to the number of nucleons (protons and neutrons) and affects properties like nuclear density and binding energy. The semi-empirical mass formula, which predicts nuclear binding energies, includes a volume term. Understanding nuclear volumes is crucial for studying nuclear reactions, radioactive decay, and nuclear models. It also has implications in fields like nuclear energy and astrophysics, where nuclear processes play a significant role.

26. How does the imperial gallon differ from the US gallon in terms of volume?

The imperial gallon, used in the UK and some Commonwealth countries, is larger than the US gallon. One imperial gallon is approximately 4.546 liters, while one US gallon is about 3.785 liters. This difference highlights the importance of specifying which gallon is being used in international contexts and emphasizes why standardized units like liters are beneficial for global communication and trade.

27. Why are non-SI units like gallons and pints still commonly used in some countries?

Non-SI units like gallons and pints are still commonly used in some countries due to historical and cultural reasons. These units have been ingrained in daily life, commerce, and industry for centuries, making them difficult to phase out completely. Additionally, the cost and effort required to change all measuring equipment, recipes, and regulations can be substantial. However, many countries are gradually transitioning to SI units for consistency and ease of international communication.

28. What is the significance of the cubic centimeter in scientific measurements?

The cubic centimeter (cm³ or cc) is significant in scientific measurements because it provides a convenient scale for many laboratory applications. It's small enough for precise measurements of chemicals or biological samples, yet large enough to be practical. Additionally, 1 cm³ of water has a mass of approximately 1 gram at room temperature, which creates a useful reference point for density calculations and comparisons.

29. How do volumetric flasks ensure accurate volume measurements in laboratories?

Volumetric flasks ensure accurate volume measurements by being calibrated to contain a specific volume of liquid at a particular temperature (usually 20°C). They have a narrow neck with a calibration mark, allowing for precise filling to the meniscus. The flask's design minimizes errors due to parallax. These features make volumetric flasks essential for preparing solutions of known concentration and for other precise volume measurements in chemical and biological laboratories.

30. How does the concept of volume relate to the mole in chemistry?

The concept of volume relates to the mole through molar volume, which is the volume occupied by one mole of a substance. For ideal gases at standard temperature and pressure (STP), one mole occupies approximately 22.4 liters. This relationship is fundamental in stoichiometry and gas laws. For liquids and solids, the molar volume varies depending on the substance's density. Understanding this connection helps in predicting the amount of space a given number of molecules will occupy, which is crucial in chemical reactions and industrial processes.

31. Why is water often used as a reference for volume and density measurements?

Water is often used as a reference for volume and density measurements because of its unique properties and ubiquity. At 4°C, 1 mL of water has a mass of almost exactly 1 gram, making it a convenient reference point. Water's density is also used to define relative density (specific gravity) of other substances. Additionally, water is readily available, safe to handle, and has well-documented properties across a wide range of temperatures and pressures. These characteristics make water an ideal standard for calibration and comparison in many scientific and industrial applications.

32. How does the concept of volume apply in crystallography and material science?

In crystallography and material science, volume plays a crucial role in understanding the structure and properties of materials. The unit cell volume, which is the volume of the smallest repeating unit in a crystal lattice, is fundamental to describing crystal structures. Changes in unit cell volume can indicate phase transitions, thermal expansion, or the effects of pressure. Additionally, the concept of free volume in materials like polymers and glasses is important for understanding their physical properties, such as diffusion rates and mechanical behavior.

33. How does the concept of volume apply to nanomaterials?

The concept of volume becomes more complex when dealing with nanomaterials due to their extremely small size. At the nanoscale, surface effects become much more significant relative to volume effects. This leads to unique properties that differ from bulk materials. For instance, the surface area to volume ratio increases dramatically, affecting reactivity and other properties. Additionally, quantum effects can become important at these scales, influencing how we interpret and measure volume. Understanding volume at the nanoscale is crucial for applications in nanotechnology, drug delivery, and materials science.

34. How does the concept of volume apply in astrophysics, particularly in the study of celestial bodies?

In astrophysics, volume is a crucial concept for understanding celestial bodies. It's used to calculate the density of planets, stars, and other cosmic objects, which in turn helps determine their composition and internal structure. For gaseous bodies like stars, volume calculations must account for their non-uniform density and the effects of extreme pressure and temperature. In cosmology, the concept of volume is extended to the entire universe, playing a role in theories about cosmic expansion and the distribution of matter. Understanding volume at astronomical scales is essential for interpreting observations and developing models of cosmic phenomena.

35. What is the significance of molar volume in ideal gas calculations?

Molar volume is the volume occupied by one mole of an ideal gas at a given temperature and pressure. At standard temperature and pressure (STP: 0°C and 1 atm), the molar volume of an ideal gas is approximately 22.4 L/mol. This concept is significant because it allows for easy conversion between the number of moles of a gas and its volume under known conditions. It's a fundamental principle in gas stoichiometry and is used extensively in chemistry and chemical engineering for calculations involving gases.

36. How does the concept of volume relate to the compressibility of materials?

Compressibility is a measure of the relative volume change of a substance in response to a pressure change. Materials with high compressibility, like gases, experience large volume changes under pressure, while those with low compressibility, like liquids and solids, resist volume changes. The bulk modulus, which is the inverse of compressibility, quantifies a material's resistance to uniform compression. Understanding the relationship between volume and compressibility is crucial in fields such as materials science, geophysics, and fluid dynamics, where pressure-induced volume changes play a significant role.

37. What is the importance of volume in fluid dynamics, particularly in the study of flow rates?

In fluid dynamics, volume is crucial for understanding and calculating flow rates. The volumetric flow rate, which is the volume of fluid passing a point per unit time, is a fundamental concept in this field. It's used in designing piping systems, studying river flows, and analyzing blood flow in the circulatory system. The continuity equation, which relates flow rates to cross-sectional areas and velocities, is based on the principle of volume conservation. Understanding how volume relates to flow is essential for applications in hydraulics, aerodynamics, and many areas of engineering and environmental science.

38. How does the concept of volume apply in thermodynamics, particularly in the study of phase transitions?

In thermodynamics, volume plays a crucial role in understanding phase transitions. During phase changes (e.g., from liquid to gas), there's often a significant change in volume. This volume change is related to the latent heat of the transition and affects the system's pressure and temperature. The Clausius-Clapeyron equation, which describes the relationship between pressure and temperature during a phase transition, incorporates volume change. Understanding these volume-related effects is essential for studying phenomena like boiling, condensation, and critical points, which are important in various industrial processes and natural systems.

39. How does the concept of volume apply in geology, particularly in the study of rock formations and mineral deposits?

In geology, volume is crucial for understanding rock formations and mineral deposits. It's used to estimate the quantity of minerals or oil in a deposit, which is essential for resource evaluation and extraction planning. Volume calculations are also important in studying volcanic eruptions, where the volume of erupted material helps determine the eruption's magnitude. In structural geology, volume changes in rocks due to deformation processes provide insights into tectonic activities. Understanding volume in geological contexts is vital for applications in mining, petroleum geology, and environmental studies.

40. What is the importance of volume in meteorology and climate science?

In meteorology and climate science, volume plays a significant role in understanding atmospheric processes. The volume of air masses affects their temperature and pressure characteristics, which are crucial for weather patterns. In climate studies, the volume of ice in glaciers and polar ice caps is a key indicator of climate change. Ocean volumes and their changes due to thermal expansion are important in sea level rise predictions. Additionally, the concept of volume is essential in studying the distribution and movement of water in the hydrosphere, including phenomena like cloud formation and precipitation.

41. What is the significance of volume in the field of acoustics?

In acoustics, volume plays a crucial role in understanding sound propagation