Engine CC to CI Calculator
This engine displacement converter converts between cubic centimeters (cc), cubic inches (ci), and liters (L). The exact conversion factor is 1 cubic inch = 16.387064 cubic centimeters, defined by the international inch standard (NIST). Whether you are comparing a European 2.0L engine to an American small block, identifying a vintage engine from its cubic inch designation, or converting metric motorcycle displacement for parts research, this tool instantly performs all three conversions in both directions. Enter a value in any unit and see the equivalents.
Conversion formulas
Cubic Inches (ci) = cc / 16.387064 Liters (L) = cc / 1000 cc = ci * 16.387064 cc = L * 1000
The factor 16.387064 is exact per NIST and the international inch definition (1 inch = 25.4 mm exactly). Common reference: a 350 ci V8 = 350 * 16.387 = 5,735 cc = 5.735 L.
Common engine displacements reference
- Small four-cylinder: 1,600 cc = 97.6 ci = 1.6 L
- Mid-size four: 2,000 cc = 122.0 ci = 2.0 L
- Small V8: 302 ci = 4,949 cc = 4.9 L
- Classic 350 small block: 350 ci = 5,735 cc = 5.7 L
- Big block 454: 454 ci = 7,440 cc = 7.4 L
Frequently asked questions
How do you convert cc to cubic inches?
Divide cubic centimeters by 16.387 to get cubic inches. One cubic inch equals 16.387 cubic centimeters exactly. For example, a 350 cc engine is 350 / 16.387 = 21.36 cubic inches.
How do you convert cubic inches to liters?
Multiply cubic inches by 0.016387 to get liters, or divide by 61.024. A 350 cubic inch V8 equals 350 * 0.016387 = 5.735 liters (often rounded to 5.7L).
What is engine displacement?
Engine displacement is the total swept volume of all pistons in all cylinders during one stroke. It measures the engine's capacity to ingest air and fuel per revolution and is the primary indicator of potential power output (all else equal).
Why do American cars use cubic inches while European cars use liters?
US automotive tradition historically used cubic inches (e.g., 350 ci, 454 ci) because the imperial system was standard in American manufacturing. European and Asian markets adopted the metric system earlier, so engine sizes are expressed in liters or cubic centimeters.
What is the largest production V8 engine in cubic inches?
The largest production American V8 engines reached 502 cubic inches (8.2 liters) in the Chevrolet 502 big block. Special-order trucks received 454 ci (7.4L) engines into the 1990s. Modern performance V8s like the Gen V LT5 displace 376 ci (6.2L).
Official sources
- NIST: nist.gov - international inch and metric unit definitions.
- SAE International: sae.org - engine displacement standards.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 15 June 2026. See our methodology.