Based on analysis of data structure for representation of 3-D mesh models, we propose a method to calculate value of volume of arbitrary 3-D solid model by employing an adaptive division strategy. The method first divides a model into several segments by using a set of parallel planes, and then calculates the signed areas of cross sections on the planes according to the area formula of planar simple polygons. Volume values, which are between each two adjacent sections, of the solid model can consequently be calculated in virtue of the areas and distances between the adjacent sections. By collecting the values, the total volume of the model can be obtained. Our method not only can calculate volume of 3-D model approximately and adaptively according to a threshold given by user, but also can give accurate value of model volume when some time cost is spent or extract the volume distribution of models. Experiments show that our method can run robustly and quickly even on personal computer, and can process models with arbitrary geometry and topology.