How to Figure the Cubic Feet of a Washing Machine

Knowing the cubic feet of your washer can help you to determine load size.

Determining the cubic measurement of your washing machine is as simple as determining the volume of a cylinder. Washing machines are generally cylindrical in shape, and will require a few measurements and calculations to determine the volume. Knowing the size of your washing machine is important when determining the size of the clothing loads that can be safely placed in the machine. The recommended load size is often written in the washing machine manual or on the back of the machine.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Calculator

Instructions

1. Measure the depth of the washer starting at the open entrance to the door. This number will serve as the length in your equation.

2. Measure the diameter of the inside of the washer. The diameter is the distance from wall to wall inside the washer.

3. Divide the diameter measurement by 2 to get your radius.

4. Plug the length and radius into the following equation: Length x 3.14 x Radius(squared). Note that you must square the radius for this equation to work properly. If plugged in correctly, you will now have the cubic footage of your washing machine.

References

• Online Calculators: Volume of a Cylinder
• "Learning Wave"; Volume of a Cylinder; 1999
• ACRP: Simplified Math for Waterworks Operators