Convert Stere (st (vol)) to Cubic Meter (m³) 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 Meter (m³)
The cubic meter is the SI unit of volume, representing the volume of a cube one meter per side. It is vastly larger than a liter, since 1 m³ = 1,000 L. Cubic meters measure the volumes of rooms, shipping containers, refrigeration units, natural gas consumption, and water flows in hydrology and civil engineering. Because it is derived directly from the meter, the m³ integrates perfectly into other SI measurements such as density (kg/m³) and flow rate (m³/s). In industry, pricing and standards for timber, construction materials, and natural gas often use cubic meters. For environmental science, m³ is essential when modeling rainfall runoff, river discharge, or air pollutant concentrations. It stands as the backbone of large-scale volumetric measurement.