The volume \( V \) of a square-based pyramid can be calculated using the formula:
\[ V = \frac{1}{3} \times \text{Base Area} \times \text{Height} \]
In this case, the area of the base is given as 12 square units, and the height is given as 15 units. Plugging in these values:
\[ V = \frac{1}{3} \times 12 \times 15 \] \[ V = \frac{1}{3} \times 180 \] \[ V = 60 \text{ cubic units} \]
Therefore, the volume of the square-based pyramid is 60 cubic units.