Foo - Math Question

I've created a spreadsheet for my boxes which I'm packing for my move, and I'm wondering if my math is correct.

What I've done is to measure each box in inches and divide each inch measurement by 12.

So if a box is 10 inches*12 inches*16 inches that would be 0.833 feet*1 feet*1.333 feet

Then I multipled those numbers together to come up with the cubic feet for that particular box: 1.11111 cubic feet.

And then I added all those cubic feet numbers together to come up with the total cubic feet. So let's say 30 boxes of that size would be 33.33 cubic feet.

Is that right?

I get the same figure dividing by a square foot, 1728 cubic inches = 1.11111 cubic feet for 10X12X16"

Yes.

Take care boxes will not pack perfectly, in either direction. E.g. you will get somewhat less stuff in them than the square footage says and it will take a bigger space than the aggregate of tjhe boxes to hold them. (In theory each coul dfit perfectly, but it never happens.

But it is a good way to at least get a ballpark estimate.

Your math looks good to me.

Yes.

Take care boxes will not pack perfectly, in either direction. E.g. you will get somewhat less stuff in them than the square footage says and it will take a bigger space than the aggregate of tjhe boxes to hold them. (In theory each coul dfit perfectly, but it never happens.

But it is a good way to at least get a ballpark estimate.


Yeah, I know. I need to keep my total under 500 cubic feet, and I'm having trouble getting my head around the idea that the stack of 30 boxes I've got right now is only about 33 cubic feet. It just seems like it should be more than that. But if that's right, at this rate I'll be well under 500 cubic feet.

500 cubic feet is quite a bit of stuff! You'd need about a 16 foot by 10 foot room of stuff jammed full, waist high (about 3 feet), to fill 500 cubic feet.

I've created a spreadsheet for my boxes which I'm packing for my move
I understand why you are doing the math, as it is something I would do, too. But why a spreadsheet?

I understand why you are doing the math, as it is something I would do, too. But why a spreadsheet?

I also want to keep track of the number of boxes with an idea of what's in each box for shipping purposes. I know the shipping company will probably do the same thing, but I want my own records too.

Plus it is easier to measure each box, input the measurements, and have my Excel spreadsheet formulas add the whole thing together than it is to stack the boxes and measure the whole works together. As jschen mentions, they could potentially take up quite a bit of room.

10x12x16 are mighty small boxes. Normally moving boxes are more like 18x18x18. You can't get much in a box that small.

Wait, if you're moving to Oz from Canada, why not do it in Metric (cc or m^3)?

10x12x16 are mighty small boxes. Normally moving boxes are more like 18x18x18. You can't get much in a box that small.

Maybe he's a little person? Are you some kind of "size-ist"? Take your prejudice outside pal. ;)

Just to let you know, when you see a 53' long trailer behind a semi on the highway, you are looking at approximately 3000 cubic feet, so your 500 cubic feet is equal to about 1/6 of a semi truck trailer.

Have you accounted for your couch in these calculations? If not, shame on you!

Couch

10x12x16 are mighty small boxes. Normally moving boxes are more like 18x18x18. You can't get much in a box that small.

That's standard liquor store box size ... perfect for moving books, ornaments, and all sorts of things. 18x18x18 is way to big for that sort of thing, you'd never lift the box.

Wait, if you're moving to Oz from Canada, why not do it in Metric (cc or m^3)?

I would, but the shipping company gave me the quote in cubic feet for some reason.

500 cubic feet is quite a bit of stuff! You'd need about a 16 foot by 10 foot room of stuff jammed full, waist high (about 3 feet), to fill 500 cubic feet.


Just to let you know, when you see a 53' long trailer behind a semi on the highway, you are looking at approximately 3000 cubic feet, so your 500 cubic feet is equal to about 1/6 of a semi truck trailer.

I've been trying to think of it as an 8x8x8 room - regular 8 ft high ceilings, and 8 ft square floor space.

But, there are also more to lose.

:(

I would, but the shipping company gave me the quote in cubic feet for some reason.

Weird. I am insanely jealous, btw.

But, there are also more to lose.

:(


Yeah, but I've got a weight limit on each box too, and books are heavy. The shipping company actually suggested liquor boxes.