Engine Displacement Calculator

Enter the bore, the stroke and the number of cylinders to find the engine size.

mm

The diameter of each cylinder.

mm

How far the piston travels in each cylinder.

This result is an estimate only. Check with your bank or the relevant authority before making decisions.

How it is calculated

  • Volume of one cylinder = π ÷ 4 × bore² × stroke
  • Displacement = volume of one cylinder × number of cylinders
  • Dividing cubic millimetres by 1,000 gives cc, and by 1,000,000 gives litres
  • 1 cubic inch = 16.387 cc

To see the yearly cost for a car, use the road tax calculator.

Worked example

A 4-cylinder engine with an 86 mm bore and 86 mm stroke:

  • One cylinder = about 499.6 cc
  • Total = 1,998.2 cc, which is a 2.0 litre engine

Why your number may differ

Actual engine dimensions are rounded in published specs, so a calculated figure can differ by a few cc from the rated one.

Frequently asked questions

How is engine displacement calculated?

Displacement = π ÷ 4 × bore² × stroke × number of cylinders. With bore and stroke in millimetres, divide by 1,000 to get cubic centimetres (cc).

Why does engine size matter in Malaysia?

Engine capacity in cc is used to work out the annual road tax for a private car, so it affects your running costs.

Is it the same as the number on the car?

Roughly. Makers round the figure, for example 1,998 cc is sold as a 2.0 litre engine.