A three dimensional numerical model was developed to analyze the mold filling and solidification processes straightforwardly in a casting processes. On the basis of the SIMPLER algorithm, the VOF method and the Equivalent Specific Heat method were adopted to deal with the free surface behavior and the latent heat evolution. The complete model has been validated using exact solutions and experimental results. The importance of three-dimensional effects has been highlighted by comparing the results from the three-dimensional analysis with those given by a two-dimensional analysis.