How to Calculate Cubic Feet for Moving Trucks

How to Calculate Cubic Feet for Moving Trucks

Moving companies charge by cubic feet. Knowing the cubic footage of your belongings helps you pick the right truck size and avoid overpaying.

Measure Your Items

Measure the length, width, and height of each large item in feet. Multiply all three to get cubic feet. A couch measuring 7 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 63 cubic feet (ft³).

For boxes, convert inches to feet first. Divide each inch measurement by 12. A medium moving box (18” × 18” × 16”) = 1.5 × 1.5 × 1.33 = 3.0 ft³.

Common Moving Truck Sizes

Truck Size	Capacity (ft³)	Rooms
10 ft	402	Studio / 1 bedroom
15 ft	764	1–2 bedrooms
20 ft	1,105	2–3 bedrooms
26 ft	1,682	3–5 bedrooms

Estimate Total Cubic Feet

A 1-bedroom apartment needs 150–300 cubic feet of truck space. A 3-bedroom house needs 600–1,000 cubic feet.

Quick Formula

Count your moving boxes. Multiply the count by the average box volume:

• Small box: 1.5 ft³
• Medium box: 3.0 ft³
• Large box: 4.5 ft³
• Extra-large box: 6.0 ft³

Add furniture volumes. Total everything for your cubic feet estimate.

Tips to Save Space

• Disassemble furniture when possible
• Fill boxes completely to prevent shifting
• Stack boxes largest on bottom
• Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes

Use our Cubic Feet Calculator to measure each item and track your total volume.