Mathematics for Carpenters and Builders - Carpenter's and Builder's Math, Plans, and Specifications - page 135

buildings, their cubage, are ordinarily expressed in cubic feet. Earth-
work (either excavated and loose, or in place) is expressed in cubic
yards (see Figure 5-8).

LENGTH 3 FT

Figure 5-8 Cubic measure. If each side of the cube measures
3 feet and it is cut as indicated by the lines, each little cube as
M, will have each of its sides 1 foot long and will contain 1 × 1
× 1 = 1 cubic foot. Accordingly, the large cube will contain 3
× 3 × 3 = 27 cubic feet or 1 cubic yard.

Table 5-6 shows cubic measure of volume equivalents.

Table 5-6 Cubic Measures of Volume

Measure Equivalent

1728 cubic inches 1 cubic foot

27 cubic feet 1 cubic yard

Dry Measure
Quantities of loose, granular materials (such as grains, some fruits,
and certain vegetables) are measured in arbitrary units that, in turn,