For general geometry of Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM), volumetric error equation including 21 systematic error components was showed using vector expression. Different types of CMM listed on an international standard (BS 6808) were classified according to their geometry, and the general volumetric error equation was used for the CMMs. Application of volumetric error equation was also introduced, such as position error compensation, error equation of CNC-machine and parametric error analysis, etc.