How to use this calculator
Replace the example values with your own measurements or specifications. Keep the units shown beside each label. Results update as you type; reset restores the example.
This is piston swept volume. It excludes combustion chamber clearance volume and does not determine compression ratio or power. All cylinders are assumed to share the entered bore and stroke.
The formula
A worked example
An 86 mm bore, 86 mm stroke, four-cylinder engine has approximately 1,998.23 cc of swept volume, commonly described as 2.0 liters.
Common questions
Why does the formula divide by 1,000?
Bore and stroke in millimeters produce cubic millimeters. There are 1,000 cubic millimeters in one cubic centimeter.
Does more displacement always mean more power?
No. Airflow, speed, tuning, aspiration, and efficiency also affect power.
Sources & calculation method
NASA Glenn: Bore and Stroke defines swept volume as piston area multiplied by stroke, and total engine displacement as the sum across cylinders. This calculator applies that relationship to equal-sized cylinders.
Starting with area = π × bore² ÷ 4, multiply by stroke and cylinder count. Millimeter inputs produce mm³; dividing by 1,000 gives cm³ (cc), and another 1,000 gives liters. Cubic inches use 1 in³ = 16.387064 cm³. These are geometric volumes, not measured combustion-chamber volumes.
References accessed September 9, 2026. These sources support the stated relationships and units; they have not reviewed or endorsed AutomotiveCalc.
Formula examples and input validation have automated checks. This page has not received an independent automotive professional review. Read our review standards.