CBM calculator for shipping cartons
Freight forwarders quote by cubic meters, and this calculator gives you the volume and weight in one step.
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How to use it
- Enter length, width, height, number of cartons and weight per carton.
- The result appears straight away and updates as you edit.
- Copy the result, or copy a link that keeps the same values to share it.
How it is calculated
CBM per carton = length × width × height (cm) ÷ 1,000,000. Total = CBM × cartons. Cubic feet = m³ ÷ 0.028316846592. Freight tons = the larger of volume in m³ and weight in tonnes.
Example
Inputs: Length = 60 cm, Width = 40 cm, Height = 50 cm, Number of cartons = 20, Weight per carton = 18 kg. Result: Total volume: 2.4 m³; Volume per carton: 0.12 m³; Volume in cubic feet: 84.76 ft³.
Limits and caveats
- Measure the outside of the carton including any bulge, since carriers use external dimensions.
- The freight ton rule (1 m³ against 1,000 kg) is common for LCL sea freight, but your carrier may use another.
Questions about this tool
How many CBM fit in a container?
A 20 ft container holds about 33 m³ inside and a 40 ft about 67 m³; the usable load is lower because of gaps between cartons.
How is CBM different from volumetric weight?
CBM is real volume used for sea freight, while volumetric weight converts volume to kilograms for air and express shipping.
What are W/M freight tons?
The carrier charges on the larger of volume in m³ and weight in tonnes, so small heavy goods are billed by weight.