"Cichlidiot" wrote in message
...
Assumptions make for easier math for sure, but with a little calculus and
angle measurements and the like you could calculate it precisely. I mean
if you wanted to take the time that is. No need for emptying and filling
or calibrated measurements of volume that way. Just a precise mathematical
description of your container and some number crunching. But for general
purposes particularly when it comes to fish, I agree, making assumptions
or rounding a bit usually is okay. Just don't make too big of assumptions
if dealing with something like medication.

Sure you could use triple integrals to calculate the volume of an
irregularly shaped object, but the fact is those of us that took calculus
would probably have to crack open our text books to remember how, since it's
not a concept that is used frequently. Additionally according to the US
Census only 24.4% of America holds a bachelors or greater, and bear in mind
many degrees do not require exposure to higher levels of math.

Finally the original poster was not questioning the math or the conversion
ratios, but expressing difficulty in visualizing how a 5 gallon jug was less
than 1 cubic foot.

References:
http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet...SF3_U&-_sse=on