Engine Displacement Formula:
From: | To: |
Engine displacement is the total volume of all the cylinders in an engine. It's typically measured in cubic inches (CI) or liters, and represents the combined swept volume of all pistons moving from bottom to top dead center.
The calculator uses the engine displacement formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the volume of a single cylinder (πr² × stroke) and multiplies it by the number of cylinders to get total engine displacement.
Details: Engine displacement is a key indicator of an engine's power potential and fuel consumption. Larger displacement engines typically produce more power but consume more fuel. It's also used for vehicle classification, taxation, and racing regulations in many jurisdictions.
Tips: Enter bore and stroke measurements in inches, and the number of cylinders. All values must be positive numbers. For accurate results, use precise measurements from engine specifications.
Q1: What's the difference between cubic inches and liters?
A: Cubic inches and liters are both units of volume. 1 liter equals approximately 61.02 cubic inches. Many modern engines use liter measurements while older American engines often used cubic inches.
Q2: How does displacement relate to engine power?
A: Generally, larger displacement means more potential power, but engine design, compression ratio, and forced induction also significantly affect power output.
Q3: Can I convert cubic inches to liters?
A: Yes, divide cubic inches by 61.024 to get liters. For example, a 350 cubic inch engine is approximately 5.7 liters.
Q4: Why are bore and stroke important beyond displacement?
A: The bore/stroke ratio affects engine characteristics. "Oversquare" engines (bore > stroke) typically rev higher, while "undersquare" engines (stroke > bore) produce more torque at lower RPMs.
Q5: Does displacement affect fuel economy?
A: Generally, larger displacement engines consume more fuel, but modern technologies like cylinder deactivation and turbocharging can improve efficiency in larger engines.