Home >> Science & Nature >> Science

How to Find the Cubic Dimensions for a Block of Wood

Dry a plum, it becomes a prune; brown a piece of bread, it becomes toast; cube a unit measure of length, it becomes a unit measure of volume. When you cube a number, you multiply it by itself three times. For example, 3 cubed equals 3 x 3 x 3, or 9. You can do the same with a unit of measurement like inches. So cubic inches equals inch x inch x inch, or in^3. Finding the cubic dimension of a block of wood is just as easy.

Things You'll Need

Measuring stick
Calculator (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Place the block of wood on the table in front of you so that the edge of one of its sides is parallel to the edge of the table.
- 2
  Measure the length of the side of the block facing you with a measuring stick and write down the length in inches. Hold your measuring stick parallel to the table top as you measure. For example, if the length of the side of the block facing you is 3 inches, write "3 in."
- 3
  Measure the height of the side of the block facing you with a measuring stick and write down the height in inches. Hold the measuring stick vertical to the table top as you measure. For example, if the height of the side of the block facing you is 2 inches, write "2 in."
- 4
  Measure the depth of the top of the wooden block with a measuring stick and write down the depth in inches. Hold the measuring stick parallel to the table top and pointing away from you as you measure. For example, if the depth of the top of the block is 3 inches, write "3 in."
- 5
  Multiply the three numbers you have written. For example, 3 x 2 x 3 = 18.
- 6
  Write your answer using the correct units. For example, "18 cubic inches." The volume and cubic dimension of your block in inches is 18 cubic inches.

Science