A cubic meter is a unit of volume in the metric system, defined as the volume of a cube with sides that are each one meter long. It is commonly used to measure larger quantities of liquids, gases, and solids. For example, a cubic meter can represent the volume of water in a large tank or the space occupied by a pile of soil. In practical terms, a cubic meter is equivalent to 1,000 liters, making it useful for various applications, such as in construction, shipping, and agriculture. Understanding cubic meters helps in calculating the capacity of containers and the amount of materials needed for projects.