the first one means a square and the other one means a cube (box). 1 cm^2 means 1 square and each side is 1 centimeter long. 1 cm^3 means 1 box and each side of the box is 1 centimeter long. For instance, if you make a square where each side is 5 cm, then you have a square that is 5cm^2.Jan 16, 2012
