CBM Calculator for Shipping
Calculate cubic meters, volumetric weight, and container capacity for sea freight and air cargo
About This Tool
This free CBM calculator helps you determine the cubic meter volume of your shipping cargo. CBM (Cubic Meter) is the standard unit for measuring freight volume in international shipping, whether by sea, air, or land.
Enter your package dimensions to calculate total volume in CBM and cubic feet, estimate volumetric weight for air freight, and see how many shipments fit in standard shipping containers.
Calculate CBM
How to Calculate CBM
CBM = Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m)
From Centimeters:
CBM = (L × W × H in cm) ÷ 1,000,000
From Inches:
CBM = (L × W × H in inches) × 0.0000164
Quick Conversions:
- 1 CBM = 35.3147 cubic feet
- 1 cubic foot = 0.0283 CBM
- 1 CBM ≈ 6.29 barrels (oil)
Results
Enter package dimensions to calculate CBM
Shipping Tips
- •Measure the longest point of each dimension for irregularly shaped items
- •Include packaging materials in your measurements
- •Sea freight is typically charged by CBM or weight, whichever is greater
- •Air freight uses a 6000 cm³/kg divisor for volumetric weight
Standard Container Dimensions
| Container Type | Internal Length | Internal Width | Internal Height | Capacity (CBM) | Capacity (cu ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20' Standard | 5.9 m | 2.35 m | 2.39 m | 33.2 m³ | 1172 cu ft |
| 40' Standard | 12.03 m | 2.35 m | 2.39 m | 67.7 m³ | 2389 cu ft |
| 40' High Cube | 12.03 m | 2.35 m | 2.7 m | 76.4 m³ | 2697 cu ft |
| 45' High Cube | 13.56 m | 2.35 m | 2.7 m | 86 m³ | 3036 cu ft |
* Actual container dimensions may vary slightly by manufacturer. Always confirm with your carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How the CBM Calculator works
- Enter each item's dimensions — length, width, and height — plus the quantity.
- Get the volume in cubic meters (CBM) and cubic feet.
- See the volumetric (dimensional) weight so you can compare it against actual weight.
- Check container fit — how your cargo stacks up against 20ft (~33 CBM), 40ft (~67.7 CBM), and 40ft High Cube (~76.4 CBM) capacity.
Why CBM drives your ocean and air freight cost
Less-than-container-load (LCL) ocean freight is billed on the "revenue ton" — you pay for 1 CBM or 1,000 kg, whichever is greater — so bulky-but-light cargo is priced on its volume. Air freight works the same way via volumetric weight. Knowing your CBM up front tells you whether LCL, a full container, or air makes the most sense.
CBM calculator FAQs
What is CBM in shipping?
CBM stands for Cubic Meter, the standard unit of measurement for freight volume in international shipping. It represents the space your cargo occupies and is calculated by multiplying length × width × height in meters. CBM is used by shipping lines, freight forwarders, and logistics companies to determine shipping costs and container utilization.
How do I calculate CBM from centimeters?
To calculate CBM from centimeters, multiply length × width × height (all in cm), then divide by 1,000,000. For example, a box measuring 50cm × 40cm × 30cm would be: (50 × 40 × 30) ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.06 CBM. Alternatively, convert each dimension to meters first by dividing by 100, then multiply them together.
What is the CBM of a 40ft container?
A standard 40-foot shipping container has an internal volume of approximately 67.7 CBM (2,389 cubic feet). A 40-foot High Cube container, which is one foot taller, has a capacity of about 76.4 CBM (2,697 cubic feet). These figures represent usable internal space.
What is volumetric weight and why does it matter?
Volumetric weight (also called dimensional weight) is a pricing technique that considers package size, not just actual weight. For air freight, volumetric weight is calculated by dividing the volume in cm³ by 6000. Carriers charge based on whichever is higher: actual weight or volumetric weight.
How is sea freight charged—by CBM or weight?
Sea freight for Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments is typically charged using the 'Revenue Ton' method: you pay for either 1 CBM or 1,000 kg, whichever results in the higher charge. Full Container Load (FCL) shipments are typically charged per container regardless of how much you fill it.
How many CBM can fit in a 20ft container?
A standard 20-foot container has an internal capacity of approximately 33.2 CBM (1,172 cubic feet). However, practical loadable volume is typically 25-28 CBM due to cargo arrangement and pallet dimensions.
What's the difference between CBM and cubic feet?
CBM (cubic meters) and cubic feet are both units of volume, but CBM is the metric standard used in international shipping, while cubic feet is common in the US. The conversion is: 1 CBM = 35.3147 cubic feet.
How do I measure irregularly shaped items for CBM?
For irregularly shaped items, measure the longest point of each dimension (length, width, height) to determine the smallest rectangular box that could contain the item. This is called the 'bounding box' method. Include any protruding parts, handles, or packaging.
Related freight tools
- Dimensional Weight Calculator — find your chargeable weight for parcel and air.
- Linear Feet Calculator — estimate trailer deck space for LTL and partial loads.
- Weight Converter — convert between lbs, kg, tons, and CWT.
- Get a freight quote — price and book your shipment.