CBM Calculator
Calculate cubic meters (CBM) for your cargo. Enter dimensions and quantities for instant freight volume calculations.
Enter Dimensions
| Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Height (cm) | Qty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
How to Calculate CBM
CBM (Cubic Meter) is the standard measurement for cargo volume in international shipping. It's essential for getting accurate freight quotes and planning container loads.
The formula is straightforward:
If your dimensions are in centimeters, divide the result by 1,000,000. If in inches, multiply by 0.000016387.
Worked Example
Example: Calculating CBM for a LCL shipment
Carton 1: 40cm × 30cm × 20cm, Qty: 5
- Volume per carton = 40 × 30 × 20 = 24,000 cm³
- CBM per carton = 24,000 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.024 m³
- Total for 5 cartons = 0.024 × 5 = 0.12 CBM
Carton 2: 60cm × 40cm × 40cm, Qty: 3
- Volume per carton = 60 × 40 × 40 = 96,000 cm³
- CBM per carton = 96,000 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.096 m³
- Total for 3 cartons = 0.096 × 3 = 0.288 CBM
Total shipment CBM: 0.12 + 0.288 = 0.408 CBM
This would fit in an LCL (Less than Container Load) shipment.
Container CBM Reference
| Container Type | Internal Dimensions | Volume (CBM) | Practical Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | 5.9m × 2.35m × 2.39m | ~33 CBM | 25-28 CBM |
| 40ft Standard | 12.03m × 2.35m × 2.39m | ~67 CBM | 55-60 CBM |
| 40ft High Cube | 12.03m × 2.35m × 2.69m | ~76 CBM | 65-70 CBM |
20ft Standard
- Dimensions
- 5.9m × 2.35m × 2.39m
- Volume
- ~33 CBM
- Practical
- 25-28 CBM
40ft Standard
- Dimensions
- 12.03m × 2.35m × 2.39m
- Volume
- ~67 CBM
- Practical
- 55-60 CBM
40ft High Cube
- Dimensions
- 12.03m × 2.35m × 2.69m
- Volume
- ~76 CBM
- Practical
- 65-70 CBM
Practical capacity is lower due to cargo shape and stacking limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CBM?
CBM stands for Cubic Meter (m³). It's the standard unit for measuring cargo volume in international shipping. 1 CBM equals 1 meter × 1 meter × 1 meter, or 1,000,000 cubic centimeters.
How do I calculate CBM?
To calculate CBM, multiply the length × width × height of your cargo in meters. If your dimensions are in centimeters, multiply L × W × H and divide by 1,000,000. For inches, multiply the volume by 0.000016387.
Why is CBM important for shipping?
CBM is crucial for calculating shipping costs, especially for sea freight (LCL and FCL). Carriers use CBM to determine how much space your cargo will occupy in a container, which directly affects pricing.
What is the CBM of a 20ft container?
A standard 20ft container has approximately 33 CBM of usable space (internal dimensions: 5.9m × 2.35m × 2.39m). However, practical loading capacity is typically 25-28 CBM depending on cargo shape.
What's the difference between CBM and volumetric weight?
CBM measures actual volume in cubic meters. Volumetric weight (or dimensional weight) converts volume to a weight equivalent using a divisor, used by couriers to price lightweight but bulky packages. Use our dimensional weight calculator for volumetric calculations.