How do I find the volume of a box-shaped cooler that is 20 inches long, 15 inches wide, and 18 inches tall?

Question

Sometimes knowing when to with apply geometry formulas to real objects can be something we struggle with. For example, if a cooler is 20 inches long, 15 inches wide, and 18 inches tall, how do you find the volume?

Answer 1

This is a rectangular prism, so we use the formula:

Volume = length × width × height

Volume = 20 × 15 × 18 = 5400 cubic inches

✅ Final Answer: 5400 in³

📦 Tip: Emphasize that volume = how much space is inside. Think of how much water or ice could fill the cooler.

🧠 Bonus trick: Always include units and remember volume is in cubic units!

Answer 2

When it comes to Volume If you can "slice" the shape vertically and every slice looks exactly like the base — it’s a prism or cylinder, and base × height works.

So in this case:

Area of base = Length * width

= 20 * 15

= 300 sq inch

Height = 18

Plug these into the formula:

Area of Base * Height

300 * 18

= 5400 cu. inches

Answer 3

Volume = Length x width x depth

V = Lwd = 20 x 15x 18 = 300 x 18 = 5,400 cubic inches

= 5400/12^3 feet^3

= 5400/12x12x12 = 3.125 cubic feet

= 3125/27 yd^3 = about .11574 cubic yards= about one tenth of a cubic yard

20 in x 15 in x 18 in = 20/12 ft x 15/12 ft x 18/12 ft = (20x15x18)/12x12x12 = 3 1/8 cubic feet