enclosure volume accuracy

Hey,

I'm looking to build a box for a Pioneer 10" sub that requires 1 cubic foot of air space.  With the volume calculater, I figured out that I can build a box 20w x 14 1/2h x 8 3/4d with 3/4 particle board and that would yield 1.009 cubic feet.  Is it ok to be off a bit?  Will it have any effect?

Thanks

I would add about 10% to the box volume to allow for the displacement of the sub. You can be out by a good margin on a sealed box and still get relatively good sound from it. About particle board, try not to use it, use MDF, it is nowhere near as porous as particle board. Get tht box sealed good.

Manufacturers box size recommendations are crap. There is no way to suggest a "best" size when it can be installed in any vehicle, the design of the vehicle is what is important. box sizes are an average of what the manufactuer thinks in may be installed in. you could build a box 1c/f off spec and it would some twice as good.  the truth is the only way to build the "loudest/cleanest" box is to build one and then change it a hundred times, testing in the vehicle each of the times until it sounds the loudest. it's one of the oldest arguments in car audio. I don't remember the website but there is one that actually lists the appropriate box design and sizes for certain specific vehicles after grueling testing by audio geeks.  i think the have a Honda Civic, sunfire, astrovan, etc.   Really, you have to test and testagain. with audio tuning equipment.   Really i would build the manufaturers specific and if it sux, buy a pre-fab. Unless you are anal about the sound, don't waste your time. Not trying to be negative but i've done it before and for 3 xtra dbs i did enough work to buy another amp to make it 20dbs louder.

MDF = medium density fiberboard.  This is what you should use to build your enclosure.  NEVER use particle board.

To answer your original question, if the "optimum" size is 1 cuft, you are safe + or - 10% either side, in general.  I would suggest you aim for 1.1 cuft and them fill the box 1/2 way with acoustic fiber fill sor best results.  Also, HERE is a good resource you should read before you begin.

Good luck!