Engine Displacement Calculator
Calculate engine displacement. Enter your data in millimeters with a comma (80.5).
Engine Displacement
Cubic Centimeters
Compression Ratio Calculator
Calculate your engine's compression ratio using the bore and stroke values above. Essential for performance tuning and fuel requirements.
Compression Ratio
0:1
Low Compression
Cylinder Volume
0
Cubic Centimeters
Clearance Volume
0
Cubic Centimeters
Engine Specifications
Volume of the cylinder head chamber
Compressed thickness of head gasket
Distance piston is below deck (positive value)
Positive for dome, negative for dish
Understanding Compression Ratio
CR = (Cylinder Volume + Clearance Volume) / Clearance Volume
Engine Comparator
Compare up to 3 different engine configurations side by side. Perfect for deciding between engine builds or comparing different vehicles.
💡 Comparison Tips
Oversquare engines (Bore > Stroke) favor high RPM and horsepower - better for racing
Undersquare engines (Stroke > Bore) favor low-end torque - better for towing and fuel economy
Higher compression ratios generally produce more power but require higher octane fuel
Larger displacement typically means more power and torque across the RPM range
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What is Vehicle Displacement?
The displacement calculation is an important measurement that tells us how much space there is inside the engine cylinders. Imagine the cylinders as the cores of the engine.
These cylinders are like rooms where the magic of combustion happens, which makes the engine run and the vehicle move. In essence, the displacement tells us how much "power" the engine can generate. With the cc calculator, you can easily calculate the displacement of your engine, car or motor.
Engine Displacement Formula
The formula for the volume of a cylinder is not as difficult as it might seem. It is basic mathematics.
The formula for piston displacement (V) of a cylinder is V=πr²h, where π represents the constant pi, approximately 3.14159. Here, r denotes the radius of the base of the cylinder, and h denotes the height of the cylinder. This calculation provides us with a volume value expressed in cubic units, such as cubic centimeters (cm³) or cubic meters (m³).
The Official Engine Displacement Formula
Understanding the core mathematics is vital for any serious engine builder or performance enthusiast. The total engine displacement is derived from the swept volume of a single cylinder, multiplied by the number of cylinders. The formula used by our calculator is:
Displacement = π × (Bore / 2)² × Stroke × Cylinders
Where: Bore is the diameter of the cylinder, and Stroke is the distance the piston travels. Whether you are calculating the volume of a single cylinder or the total volume of a V8 engine, this universal engine volume formula ensures accuracy in your specifications.
Converting Engine Sizes
Engine measurements are typically expressed in three primary units, and our tool provides instant conversions between them. Understanding the conversions is crucial when dealing with vehicles from different regions.
CC to Liters
1 Liter = 1,000 CC
Cubic Inches
1 L = 61.024 CID
For example, a "2.0L" engine is approximately 2000 cc or 122 cubic inches. Our engine size conversion tool takes the guesswork out of these complex unit changes.
Bore-Stroke Ratio
The relationship between the cylinder Bore (diameter) and the Stroke (piston travel) defines the engine's fundamental characteristics and performance profile.
Oversquare Engine (Bore > Stroke)
Engines with a larger bore than stroke. These engines can achieve higher RPMs and are typically found in high-performance and racing applications, favoring horsepower.
Undersquare Engine (Stroke > Bore)
Engines with a longer stroke than bore. They often produce high torque at lower RPMs, making them ideal for heavy-duty trucks and vehicles where towing capacity and fuel efficiency are prioritized.
Square Engine (Bore ≈ Stroke)
Offers a balance between horsepower and torque.
The Static Compression Ratio Formula
Our calculator uses the fundamental **Static Compression Ratio (SCR) formula**, which compares the total cylinder volume to the clearance volume. To get an accurate reading, you need to know the total **Swept Volume (Vd)** and the total **Clearance Volume (Vc)**. The clearance volume is the sum of the combustion chamber, gasket, deck, and piston dome/dish volumes.
CR = (Vd + Vc) / Vc
Where Vd = Swept Volume (Displacement) and Vc = Clearance Volume.
Engine builders and mechanics rely on this **compression ratio equation** to plan modifications. For instance, increasing the bore or reducing the combustion chamber volume (milling the head) will directly affect the calculated CR.
Importance of Engine Displacement
The engine displacement is a fundamental metric in the automotive world. It not only affects the power and performance of your vehicle but also influences fuel economy and emissions.
By using our displacement calculator, you can gain a deeper understanding of how your engine works and how to optimize its performance. This information is vital for making adjustments and improvements to your vehicle.
Converting Engine Sizes: CC, Liters, and Cubic Inches (CID)
Engine measurements are typically expressed in three primary units, and our tool provides instant conversions between them. Understanding the conversions is crucial when dealing with vehicles from different regions (e.g., US vs. Europe/Asia).1 Liter (L) is equivalent to 1,000 Cubic Centimeters (CC).Meanwhile, the older, but still common, imperial measurement is **Cubic Inches Displacement (CID)**.
- To convert **Cubic Inches to Liters:** Divide the CID value by **61.024**.
- To convert **Liters to Cubic Inches:** Multiply the Liters value by **61.024**.
- **1 CC** is a much smaller volume, making it common in motorcycles and smaller vehicles. For example, a "2.0L" engine is approximately **2000 cc** or **122 CID**.
Our **engine size conversion tool** takes the guesswork out of these complex unit changes, allowing you to focus on the performance metrics that matter most.