Cubic Meters to Gallons

What is Cubic Meters to Gallons Converter?

This tool converts cubic meters to US gallons, essential for pool and tank calculations, water management, and understanding large volume specifications. Cubic meters are the international standard for large volumes, while gallons remain common in American contexts.

The Conversion Factor

One cubic meter equals 264.172 US gallons. This large number reflects that a cubic meter is a substantial volume—1000 liters or about the size of a large washing machine.

Putting It in Perspective

• 1 m³ = 264 gallons = 1000 liters
• 1 m³ of water weighs 1 metric ton
• Average bathtub: 0.15 m³ = 40 gallons
• Hot tub: 1.5 m³ = 400 gallons

Common Applications

• Swimming pools: Calculating water volume for chemicals
• Water tanks: Storage capacity specifications
• Water billing: Understanding meter readings
• Industrial: Large-scale liquid handling

Privacy

All calculations are performed locally in your browser.

How to Use

Converting cubic meters to gallons is straightforward:

1. Enter the m³ value
2. View the gallon result instantly
3. Use for pool or tank calculations

Quick Estimation

For mental math, multiply by 264:

• 10 m³ × 264 = 2,640 gallons
• For easier math, use 250: 10 m³ × 250 = 2,500 gallons (within 6%)

Pool Volume Examples

Typical swimming pool sizes:

• Small pool: 30 m³ = 7,925 gallons
• Medium pool: 50 m³ = 13,209 gallons
• Large pool: 75 m³ = 19,813 gallons
• Olympic pool: 2,500 m³ = 660,000 gallons

Water Tank Sizing

Emergency water storage recommendations:

• 1 gallon per person per day minimum
• 1 m³ = 264 person-days of basic water
• Family of 4 for 2 weeks ≈ 0.2 m³ = 56 gallons

Features

Precise Conversion

Uses the exact factor: 1 m³ = 264.172 US gallons. Accurate for pool chemical calculations and engineering applications.

Real-Time Results

Results appear as you type for quick volume calculations.

Reference Table

Common cubic meter to gallon conversions:

• 0.5 m³ = 132 gallons
• 1 m³ = 264 gallons
• 5 m³ = 1,321 gallons
• 10 m³ = 2,642 gallons
• 50 m³ = 13,209 gallons
• 100 m³ = 26,417 gallons

Copy Function

Copy values for pool calculations or tank specifications.

Unit Options

Switch to liters or other units using the dropdown menus.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many gallons are in a cubic meter?

One cubic meter equals 264.17 US gallons. This is also exactly 1000 liters.

How do I calculate my pool volume in gallons?

First calculate the volume in cubic meters: length × width × average depth (all in meters). Then multiply by 264 to get gallons. A 10m × 5m × 1.5m pool = 75 m³ = 19,813 gallons.

How many cubic meters is a 10,000 gallon pool?

A 10,000 gallon pool equals 37.85 cubic meters. This is a typical small to medium residential pool.

How much water does my water meter measure?

Water meters typically measure in cubic meters (m³). Multiply the reading by 264 to get gallons. A reading of 5 m³ means you used 1,321 gallons.

How much does a cubic meter of water weigh?

One cubic meter of water weighs exactly 1000 kg (1 metric ton or about 2,205 pounds). This is useful for calculating tank loads and structural requirements.

What's the difference between cubic meters and liters for pools?

They measure the same thing at different scales. 1 m³ = 1000 liters. Pools are usually expressed in m³ for simplicity; a "50,000 liter pool" is easier to say as "50 m³ pool."