How to Calculate CBM for Shipping
Learn how to calculate cubic meters (CBM) for your freight shipments. This guide covers the formula, unit conversions, and practical examples for both individual packages and pallet loads.
Step-by-Step Method
Measure Your Cargo
Measure the length, width, and height of each item or pallet. For the most accurate results, measure in meters. If using centimeters, you'll convert later.
For palletized cargo: Include the pallet height in your measurement. If goods overhang the pallet, measure to the actual edges.
Convert to Meters (if needed)
If you measured in centimeters, divide each dimension by 100. If in inches, divide by 39.37.
From cm to m
meters = cm ÷ 100
From inches to m
meters = inches ÷ 39.37
Calculate CBM
Multiply length × width × height in meters to get CBM.
Multiply by Quantity
If you have multiple identical packages or pallets, calculate CBM for one and multiply by quantity.
Sum All Items
If shipping different sized items, calculate each separately and add them together for total CBM.
Quick Reference Formulas
Worked Example
Calculating CBM for a pallet shipment
You're shipping 3 pallets to a customer. Each pallet measures:
Length:
120 cm (1.2 m)
Width:
100 cm (1.0 m)
Height (with pallet):
150 cm (1.5 m)
Calculation:
- Convert to meters: 1.2m × 1.0m × 1.5m
- CBM per pallet: 1.2 × 1.0 × 1.5 = 1.8 CBM
- Total for 3 pallets: 1.8 × 3 = 5.4 CBM
Cost estimate: If your LCL rate is $50 per CBM, shipping these 3 pallets costs approximately 5.4 × $50 = $270 for the volume charge. Additional fees apply for handling and documentation.
Calculate CBM Instantly
Use our free CBM calculator with built-in container references.
Container Capacity Reference
Use this table to estimate how your cargo fits into standard containers:
| Container | Capacity | Max Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | ~33 CBM | ~21,700 kg |
| 40ft Standard | ~67 CBM | ~26,500 kg |
| 40ft High Cube | ~76 CBM | ~26,200 kg |
Practical Tips
Consider stackability
Irregularly shaped cargo or fragile items that can't be stacked may require more space than their raw CBM suggests.
Check minimum charges
LCL shipments often have minimum charges (usually 1 CBM). Even 0.5 CBM of cargo may be charged at 1 CBM rates.
Compare CBM vs weight
Freight forwarders charge the higher of CBM or weight equivalent. For dense cargo, weight may exceed the CBM charge.
Round up for quotes
When getting freight quotes, round your CBM up slightly to account for measurement variations and handling space.
Key Definitions
- CBM
- Cubic meter—the standard freight volume unit.
- Volumetric Weight
- Weight calculated from package dimensions.
- Courier vs Freight
- Different shipping modes with different pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CBM formula?
CBM = Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m). If measuring in centimeters, calculate L × W × H in cm and divide by 1,000,000 to get CBM.
How do I convert centimeters to CBM?
Multiply L × W × H in centimeters, then divide by 1,000,000. For example, 100cm × 80cm × 60cm = 480,000 cm³ ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.48 CBM.
How do I convert cubic feet to CBM?
Divide cubic feet by 35.3147. For example, 100 cubic feet = 100 ÷ 35.3147 = 2.83 CBM.
What if my cargo is on pallets?
Measure the pallet's footprint (length × width) and the total height including the pallet itself and cargo. If goods overhang the pallet, use the actual footprint dimensions.
How is CBM used in LCL shipping?
LCL (Less than Container Load) rates are typically quoted per CBM, with a minimum charge (often 1 CBM). You'll pay for either your CBM or your weight equivalent, whichever is higher.