Question 1

What is CBM in shipping?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

How do I calculate CBM from centimeters?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What is the CBM of a 40ft container?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What is volumetric weight and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

How is sea freight charged—by CBM or weight?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

How many CBM can fit in a 20ft container?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What's the difference between CBM and cubic feet?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

How do I measure irregularly shaped items for CBM?

Accepted Answer

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.

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

CBM Calculator for Shipping

About This Tool

Calculate CBM

How to Calculate CBM

Results

Need Freight Quotes?

Shipping Tips

Standard Container Dimensions

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Shipping Tools