CBM Calculator
Calculate shipment volume in cubic meters and cubic feet from package dimensions and quantities. Add gross weights to compare actual and volumetric weight, check container capacity, and estimate freight costs using your own billing rules and rates. Copy the results or download a CSV for reference.
Calculate Your Shipment
How to Calculate CBM
Measure the outside length, width and height of each packed unit. Include the pallet, crate and any protruding packaging. Use a separate row for each different package size or gross weight.
CBM = length (m) × width (m) × height (m) × quantity
For centimeters, divide the product of the three dimensions by 1,000,000 before multiplying by quantity. Add the rows for total shipment volume. This is the rectangular outer envelope, including empty space inside it.
A Two-Carton Example
Two cartons measuring 120 × 100 × 80 cm each occupy 1.92 m³, or about 67.8042 ft³. At 50 kg gross per carton, total actual weight is 100 kg. Missing gross weights remain unknown; the calculator shows the known subtotal and how many rows it covers.
Compare Actual and Volumetric Weight
DIM in kilograms equals package volume in cm³ divided by a selected divisor, or volume in m³ multiplied by a kg/m³ factor. A 5000 divisor is equivalent to 200 kg/m³. It is a billing relationship, not the cargo's density.
The comparison level matters. For two packages with actual/DIM weights of 10/1 kg and 1/10 kg, comparing each separately gives 20 kg. Comparing whole-shipment totals gives 11 kg. At your selected level, the calculator takes the greater value, applies the minimum and rounds up by the billing increment. A zero increment means no rounding.
Any dimension rounding is applied in centimeters for billing only. Physical CBM continues to use your measured dimensions. Set the divisor or factor, billing increment and minimum to match your shipping service. For LCL, compare volume divided by m³/RT with gross weight divided by kg/RT, then apply your selected minimum and increment.
Check Container Capacity
Volume and payload limits are separate. For one container type, the theoretical minimum is the larger of the volume ratio and weight ratio, rounded up. If weight is unknown, only a volume lower bound is available. Your usable-volume percentage reduces the nominal volume allowance; it does not change payload.
Manual mixed-container plans compare combined allowances with cargo totals. They do not allocate boxes to individual containers or check door clearance, turning, stacking, load distribution or booking restrictions. Confirm the actual equipment and loading plan before transport.
Estimate Freight Costs
Weight modes multiply chargeable kilograms by your rate. LCL uses chargeable revenue tons; FCL uses your manually entered container quantities and rates. The minimum base charge applies before surcharges. Each percentage uses either base or base plus fixed charges, independently of other percentages.
Using 1 m³/RT and 1000 kg/RT, a shipment of 1.92 m³ and 100 kg gives 1.92 RT before billing rounding. With a 0.1 RT increment and a 1 RT minimum, the chargeable quantity is 2 RT. At 50 per RT, add 20 in fixed charges and 10% of the 100 base: the estimate is 130.
If the calculated base charge is 50 and the minimum is 80, use 80 as the base. Add 20 in fixed charges and 10% of the base: the estimate is 108.
All amounts are in the selected currency. These are worked examples, not current freight rates.
Amounts use the selected currency's minor-unit precision with half-up rounding. The total is rounded once from the unrounded calculation; separately displayed components can therefore differ by a minor unit when added. No exchange conversion, live rates or unentered charges are included.
CBM and Shipping Calculation Questions
How do I calculate CBM for multiple packages?
Measure the outside length, width, and height of each package in meters. Multiply these dimensions by the quantity, then add the volumes for all package types. Two packages measuring 1.2 × 1 × 0.8 meters each have a total volume of 1.92 cubic meters. Include pallets and other outer packaging in your measurements.
Can I enter dimensions in inches or feet?
Yes. Select the length unit for each package row. The calculator converts the dimensions before combining volumes and shows results in cubic meters and cubic feet. One cubic foot equals 0.028316846592 cubic meters.
How many kilograms are in one CBM?
CBM measures volume, while kilograms measure mass. There is no fixed conversion between them without knowing the cargo's density or actual gross weight. A carrier's volumetric factor is a billing rule; it does not tell you what the cargo actually weighs.
What is the difference between volumetric and chargeable weight?
Volumetric weight is calculated from package dimensions and a selected divisor or factor. Chargeable weight compares it with actual gross weight under your chosen billing rules. The comparison level, rounding step, and minimum weight can change the result. Confirm those settings with your carrier; example presets do not cover every service.
Can the container calculation prove that my cargo will fit?
No. The calculator compares total cargo volume and gross weight with the selected capacity and payload. A theoretical container count or a manual mixed-container plan does not check box placement, door clearance, stacking, or load distribution. Confirm the equipment and loading plan before booking.
How are estimated freight costs calculated?
Enter your own rates, billing settings, and any fixed or percentage surcharges. The calculator applies the minimum base charge before adding surcharges and shows the basis for each percentage. FCL estimates use your confirmed planned container quantities. Costs remain incomplete when required rates or weights are missing. No live rates, exchange conversions, or unentered taxes and fees are added.
Do I need a weight to calculate CBM?
No. Dimensions and quantity are enough to calculate volume. Add gross weights to compare billable weight or check container payload. Missing weights stay unknown.