How is cargo volume measured?

There are two methods to calculate cargo volume. These are Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA) & Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Some manufacturers use SAE, whilst others use VDA when comparing load areas. It is important to know which method has been used.

VDA method

This is the method used by the VDA in Germany. A VDA figure is determined by filling the load space with ‘litre’ blocks, each measuring 200x100x50 mm. The blocks are then counted, and the numerical result is converted into cubic metres. VDA is usually a more realistic view than SAE.

SAE method

This is the method used by the SAE. SAE is normally a larger number than VDA and is calculated by filling the load areas with much smaller objects that can fill all the small areas of the vehicle, which you can’t normally use as load space, making it seem to have a larger load space.

You can find the cargo volume of a vehicle in our brochures.