Convert Stere (st (vol)) to Cubic Kilometer (km³) instantly.
About these units
Stere (st (vol))
A stere is exactly 1 cubic meter, but with a particular association: it was defined specifically for measuring stacked firewood. Logs are irregular, so the stere measures the approximate space that a cubic meter of stacked wood occupies (including air gaps). The stere is still used in France and some other European regions as part of forestry traditions. Firewood sales often use the stere to maintain consistency with historical practices. The stere's survival shows how volume measurement often reflects cultural and economic tradition rather than purely scientific convenience, especially in long-standing industries like wood harvesting.
Cubic Kilometer (km³)
A cubic kilometer represents one billion cubic meters, making it a colossal volume unit used in geology, hydrology, glaciology, and planetary science. Large lakes, ice sheets, magma chambers, and atmospheric water content are often measured in km³. Earth's total ocean volume—about 1.335 billion km³—illustrates the unit's utility in describing planetary-scale systems. The km³ gives scientists a manageable number when dealing with natural features too massive for cubic meters or liters to express conveniently.