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A cubic meter (m3) is a unit of volume in the metric system, equal to one thousand liters (1000 L).
It is the volume of a perfect cube with sides that are exactly one meter long. The plural form is cubic meters.
It can be challenging to visualize a cubic meter in your mind. Still, a few everyday examples help clarify the concept. One cubic meter is roughly the size of:
The cubic meter (m3) is the SI unit for volume — the global standard used in science, engineering, and international trade.
Because it's based on the meter (the SI unit of length), it fits neatly into a consistent measurement system.
This makes it practical for measuring large amounts — from the concrete for a building to the capacity of a shipping container.
The cubic meter has a direct and valuable relationship with mass.
For example, one cubic meter of pure water at its maximum density has a mass of almost exactly 1,000 kilograms (or one metric ton).
The unit is also used in specialized fields. When measuring stacked firewood, a cubic meter is often called a "stere."
While it's not an official SI unit, the stere is still commonly used in the forestry and timber industries.