Operator math, worked
How to convert cubic feet to gallons (and back)
Volumes come out in cubic feet, but the exam wants gallons. The whole conversion is one number: 7.48, the gallons in a cubic foot. Multiply to go to gallons, divide to go back.
Last reviewed 2026-08-04
The formula
gallons = cubic feet x 7.48 (and cubic feet = gallons / 7.48)
The steps
Cubic feet to gallons
Multiply the cubic feet by 7.48, because one cubic foot of water holds 7.48 gallons.
Gallons to cubic feet
Divide the gallons by 7.48 to go the other way.
Worked example
A basin holds 500 cubic feet of water. How many gallons is that?
- Gallons: 500 x 7.48 = 3,740 gallons
- Check, back to cubic feet: 3,740 / 7.48 = 500 cubic feet
Answer: 3,740 gallons
Common questions
- What is the 7.48 factor?
- One cubic foot of water is 7.48 gallons.
- Which way do I multiply?
- Cubic feet to gallons multiplies by 7.48; gallons to cubic feet divides by 7.48.
- Does this work for any liquid?
- The 7.48 is for water; other liquids differ, but the exam uses water.