How to convert cc to cubic inches
A cubic centimeter (cc) is the volume of a cube 1 cm on each side. It is the same as a milliliter. A cubic inch (ci, or cu in) is a cube 1 inch on each side. Because the inch is defined as exactly 25.4 mm, one cubic inch is exactly 2.54 × 2.54 × 2.54 = 16.387064 cc.
cubic inches = cc ÷ 16.387064
cc = cubic inches × 16.387064
liters = cc ÷ 1,000For a quick mental estimate, 1 liter is about 61 cubic inches, and 100 cubic inches is about 1.64 liters.
Liters and cc are the same unit family: 1 liter is 1,000 cc, and 1 cc is 1 milliliter, so there is no rounding between them.
Worked examples
- 5,000 cc ÷ 16.387064 = 305.12 ci, or 5.0 liters.
- 350 ci × 16.387064 = 5,735.5 cc, or 5.74 liters.
- 1,000 cc = 61.02 ci. 250 cc = 15.26 ci.
- 454 ci = 7,439.7 cc, or 7.44 liters.
Why the numbers on engines do not always match
Engine sizes are usually rounded for marketing, and the rounding is done separately in each unit. A size advertised in liters may be rounded to one decimal place, while the cubic inch figure is rounded to a whole number. Converting one rounded figure will not always land exactly on the other. When you need the real swept volume, work it out from the bore and stroke with the engine displacement calculator.
cc, ci and liters in use
- cc is common for motorcycles, small engines and per-cylinder volumes such as combustion chambers.
- Liters are used for most car and truck engines worldwide.
- Cubic inches are traditional in the US, especially for older V8 engines and in engine building.
The converter does not round in the background: it keeps full precision and only rounds what it shows, to two decimals for cubic inches and three for liters.
Questions
How many cubic inches is 1000cc?
1,000 cc is 61.02 cubic inches. One liter is 1,000 cc, so a liter is also 61.02 cubic inches.
How many cc is 350 cubic inches?
350 cubic inches is 5,735.5 cc, or about 5.74 liters. Multiply cubic inches by 16.387064 to get cc.
How do I convert cubic inches to liters?
Multiply cubic inches by 16.387064 to get cc, then divide by 1,000. For example, 302 ci is 4,948.9 cc, or 4.95 liters.
How many cubic inches is 5 liters?
5 liters (5,000 cc) is 305.12 cubic inches.