Prefer centimetres? Every calculator on this site works in metric. Open the rectangular calculator in centimetres for an instant litres result, or any other shape from the calculator list.
The metric formula
Litres = L (cm) × W (cm) × H (cm) ÷ 1,000
One litre is 1,000 cubic centimetres, so the conversion is a simple division. A 60 × 30 × 36 cm tank is 64,800 cm³ or 64.8 litres. For US gallons, divide litres by 3.785.
Common sizes in centimetres and litres
| Type | L × W × H (cm) | Calculated | Actual water | US gal | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nano | 30 × 15 × 20 | 9.0 L | 7.8 L | 2.1 | Pico, shrimp |
| Nano | 40 × 20 × 25 | 20.0 L | 17.4 L | 4.6 | Nano, betta |
| Small | 50 × 25 × 30 | 37.5 L | 32.6 L | 8.6 | Community nano |
| 2 ft | 60 × 30 × 30 | 54.0 L | 47.0 L | 12.4 | Starter community |
| 2 ft | 60 × 30 × 36 | 64.8 L | 56.4 L | 14.9 | Starter community |
| 2 ft | 60 × 30 × 45 | 81.0 L | 70.5 L | 18.6 | Small community |
| Deep 2 ft | 60 × 40 × 45 | 108.0 L | 94.0 L | 24.8 | Community |
| 80 cm | 80 × 35 × 40 | 112.0 L | 97.4 L | 25.7 | Community |
| Cube | 50 × 50 × 50 | 125.0 L | 108.8 L | 28.7 | Cube, reef |
| 80 cm | 80 × 40 × 50 | 160.0 L | 139.2 L | 36.8 | Medium community |
| 1 m | 100 × 40 × 50 | 200.0 L | 174.0 L | 46.0 | Large community |
| Tall | 60 × 45 × 75 | 202.5 L | 176.2 L | 46.5 | Tall display |
| 3 ft | 90 × 45 × 60 | 243.0 L | 211.4 L | 55.8 | Large community |
| 1 m | 100 × 50 × 50 | 250.0 L | 217.5 L | 57.5 | Large community |
| 1 m | 100 × 50 × 60 | 300.0 L | 261.0 L | 68.9 | Large community |
| 4 ft | 120 × 50 × 50 | 300.0 L | 261.0 L | 68.9 | Large display |
| 4 ft | 120 × 50 × 60 | 360.0 L | 313.2 L | 82.7 | Large display |
| 4 ft | 120 × 60 × 60 | 432.0 L | 375.8 L | 99.3 | XL, reef |
| 5 ft | 150 × 60 × 60 | 540.0 L | 469.8 L | 124.1 | XL display |
Actual water applies a 0.87 factor for glass, a 2 cm fill gap and minor displacement.
Metric versus US sizing
Metric tanks are usually sold by their dimensions (a "60 cm tank") or by litres rounded to a familiar number (54, 112, 180, 240). US tanks are sold by nominal gallons with standard footprints. The numbers do not map neatly: a 60 cm starter tank is around 54 litres or 14 gallons, which sits between the US 10 and 15 gallon sizes. Measure your own tank rather than trusting a conversion of the label.
Metric formulas by shape
Every formula on the formulas page works in centimetres unchanged. Only the final step differs: divide cubic centimetres by 1,000 for litres instead of cubic inches by 231 for gallons.