Truck Bed Volume Calculator
Calculate the cargo capacity of your pickup truck in cubic feet
Calculate Truck Bed Volume
How to Measure Your Truck Bed
To get accurate measurements for your truck bed volume calculation, follow these steps:
Step 1: Measure Length
Measure the inside length of your truck bed from the front (bulkhead) to the inside of the tailgate.
Step 2: Measure Width
Measure the inside width from side to side at the widest point, typically between the wheel wells.
Step 3: Measure Height
Measure from the floor of the bed to the top of the sides/bed rails.
Important Notes:
- Always measure inside dimensions, not outside
- Account for wheel wells if they intrude into the bed space
- For irregular truck beds, calculate sections separately
Truck Bed Sizes Overview
Pickup trucks typically come with different bed length options:
| Bed Type | Typical Length |
|---|---|
| Short Bed | 5′ to 5’8″ (60-68″) |
| Standard Bed | 6’4″ to 6’6″ (76-78″) |
| Long Bed | 8′ (96″) |
Standard truck bed widths typically range from 50-65 inches, with most full-size truck beds being around 60 inches wide.
Volume Calculation Formula
For cubic feet:
Volume (ft³) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Height (ft)
From inches to cubic feet:
Volume (ft³) = [Length (in) × Width (in) × Height (in)] ÷ 1,728
Common Uses for Truck Bed Volume
- Estimating material capacity (mulch, soil, gravel)
- Planning furniture or appliance transport
- Calculating maximum cargo load
- Determining if items will fit in your truck bed
- Comparing capacity between different truck models
- Planning camping or outdoor equipment storage
Unit Conversion Reference
| From | To | Multiply By |
|---|---|---|
| Cubic Inches | Cubic Feet | ÷ 1,728 |
| Cubic Feet | Cubic Yards | ÷ 27 |
| Cubic Feet | Cubic Meters | × 0.0283168 |
| Inches | Feet | ÷ 12 |
| Feet | Inches | × 12 |
| Centimeters | Inches | ÷ 2.54 |
| Meters | Feet | × 3.28084 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to measure a truck bed with wheel wells?
For truck beds with wheel wells, measure the width at the narrowest point (between the wheel wells) and at the widest point. You can either use the narrowest width for a conservative estimate or calculate the volumes of different sections separately and add them together for a more accurate result.
How do I convert cubic feet to gallons for liquid loads?
To convert cubic feet to gallons, multiply the volume in cubic feet by 7.48052. For example, 10 cubic feet equals approximately 74.8 gallons.
How much can I fit in different truck bed sizes?
As a general guide:
- Short bed (5-5.8′): Good for recreational use, camping gear, small furniture items
- Standard bed (6.4-6.6′): Versatile for most homeowner needs, medium furniture, building materials
- Long bed (8′): Ideal for contractors, large appliances, full sheets of plywood/drywall
Does a tonneau cover or bed cap affect the volume calculation?
Yes, if you have a tonneau cover or bed cap, you might want to measure the height up to that point instead of the bed rails, especially if you’re calculating how much you can fit with the cover closed.
How accurate are the preset dimensions in this calculator?
The preset dimensions are based on manufacturer specifications and industry standards. However, there can be slight variations between different model years and trims. For absolute accuracy, we recommend measuring your specific truck.