1. **State the problem:** We need to find the volume of a rectangular cereal box with dimensions 12 inches (height), 8 inches (width), and 3 inches (depth). 2. **Formula for volume of a rectangular box:** $$V = \text{height} \times \text{width} \times \text{depth}$$ 3. **Substitute the given values:** $$V = 12 \times 8 \times 3$$ 4. **Calculate step-by-step:** $$12 \times 8 = 96$$ $$96 \times 3 = 288$$ 5. **Final answer:** The volume of the cereal box is $$288$$ cubic inches. This means the box can hold 288 cubic inches of cereal.