Engine Capacity Formula:
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Engine capacity, also known as engine displacement, is the total volume of all the cylinders in an engine. It's a key measurement that indicates the size and potential power output of an engine, typically measured in cubic inches (ci) or liters.
The calculator uses the engine capacity formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the volume of a single cylinder (π × bore²/4 × stroke) and multiplies by the number of cylinders to get total displacement.
Details: Engine capacity is a primary factor in determining an engine's power output, fuel consumption, and emissions. Larger engines typically produce more power but consume more fuel.
Tips: Enter bore and stroke measurements in millimeters, select the number of cylinders, and choose your preferred output unit (cubic inches or liters). All values must be valid positive numbers.
Q1: What's the difference between cubic inches and liters?
A: Cubic inches (ci) is the imperial measurement, while liters is the metric measurement. 1 liter equals approximately 61 cubic inches.
Q2: How does engine capacity relate to power output?
A: Generally, larger engine capacity means more potential power, but efficiency, design, and technology also significantly impact actual power output.
Q3: Why is engine capacity important for vehicle classification?
A: Many regions use engine capacity to determine vehicle taxes, insurance rates, and regulatory classifications.
Q4: Can two engines with the same capacity have different performance?
A: Yes, factors like compression ratio, forced induction, valve timing, and engine design can cause significant performance differences.
Q5: What is a typical engine capacity range?
A: Modern passenger cars typically range from 1.0 to 6.0 liters (61-366 ci), with motorcycles and small vehicles at the lower end and performance vehicles at the higher end.