How is engine displacement calculated?

Engine displacement is calculated by determining the volume of each cylinder and then multiplying that by the number of cylinders in the engine. To calculate the volume of a single cylinder, you use the formula that involves the area of the cylinder bore (the diameter of the cylinder) and the stroke length (the distance the piston travels within the cylinder).

The area of the cylinder bore is calculated using the formula for the area of a circle, which is π times the radius squared. Then, this area is multiplied by the stroke length, giving the volume of a single cylinder. The total engine displacement is found by taking this volume and multiplying it by the number of cylinders in the engine. This approach gives a clear understanding of the engine’s capacity, which affects its power and efficiency.

Choosing the other options would not provide an accurate calculation of engine displacement. Summing the volume of all cylinders may seem legitimate but does not express the methodology typically used in automotive contexts. The size of the intake and exhaust valves is unrelated to the calculation of displacement and measuring the weight of the engine has no bearing on its volume or capacity.