kg
Used to calculate chargeable weight vs volumetric weight
Total Volume
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📋 Carton Breakdown
Item
Dims (m)
Unit CBM
Total CBM
🚢 Container Load Estimate
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Sources & Methodology
CBM formula and container specifications verified against ISO 668 container standards and IICL (Institute of International Container Lessors) published internal dimensions.
IICL — Container Specifications
Official internal dimensions for 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft high-cube shipping containers used in this calculator's container load estimates
ISO 668 — Series 1 Freight Containers Classification
International standard defining freight container dimensions, including the 20ft and 40ft TEU units used worldwide in ocean freight
Methodology: CBM = Length (m) x Width (m) x Height (m) x Quantity. Unit conversions: cm / 100 = m, mm / 1000 = m, in / 39.3701 = m, ft / 3.28084 = m. Volumetric weight (ocean): CBM x 1000 kg. Volumetric weight (air): CBM x 167 kg. Chargeable weight = max(actual weight, volumetric weight). Container fill % = (Total CBM / Container CBM) x 100.
⏱ Last reviewed: April 2026
How to Calculate CBM for Shipping & Freight
CBM (Cubic Meter) is the standard volume measurement used in international freight shipping. This CBM calculator is one of the most essential tools for importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and logistics professionals. Whether you are shipping by ocean, air, or road, knowing your CBM is critical for getting accurate freight quotes and planning container utilization.
The CBM Formula
CBM = Length (m) x Width (m) x Height (m)
All dimensions must be in meters. Convert first: cm ÷ 100, mm ÷ 1,000, inches ÷ 39.37, feet ÷ 3.281.
Example: 60cm x 40cm x 30cm = 0.60 x 0.40 x 0.30 = 0.072 CBM per carton
For 100 cartons: 0.072 x 100 = 7.2 CBM total
Example: 60cm x 40cm x 30cm = 0.60 x 0.40 x 0.30 = 0.072 CBM per carton
For 100 cartons: 0.072 x 100 = 7.2 CBM total
Unit Conversion Quick Reference
| From | To Meters | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Centimeters (cm) | Divide by 100 | 60 cm = 0.60 m |
| Millimeters (mm) | Divide by 1,000 | 600 mm = 0.60 m |
| Inches (in) | Divide by 39.3701 | 24 in = 0.610 m |
| Feet (ft) | Divide by 3.28084 | 2 ft = 0.610 m |
Shipping Container CBM Capacity
| Container Type | Internal CBM | Usable Cargo CBM | Max Payload |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | 33.2 CBM | 25-28 CBM | 28,000 kg |
| 40ft Standard | 67.7 CBM | 55-60 CBM | 28,800 kg |
| 40ft High Cube | 76.3 CBM | 62-68 CBM | 28,600 kg |
| 20ft Reefer | 28.0 CBM | 22-25 CBM | 27,700 kg |
| 45ft High Cube | 86.1 CBM | 72-76 CBM | 29,000 kg |
LCL vs FCL: When to Use Each
LCL (Less than Container Load) is priced per CBM and is cost-effective for small shipments. FCL (Full Container Load) is priced per container and becomes economical when your cargo exceeds 15-18 CBM. Most freight forwarders recommend FCL once you exceed half a 20ft container, as the per-CBM rate for FCL drops significantly at scale.
💡 Pro Tip: Always measure your cartons after packing, not before. Packed cartons are often slightly larger than expected due to product irregularities. Add 5-10% buffer to your CBM calculation for safety. Carriers will measure your actual cargo at origin and charge based on the larger of dimensional or actual weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
CBM = Length (m) x Width (m) x Height (m). Convert all dimensions to meters first: cm / 100, mm / 1000, inches / 39.37, feet / 3.281. For multiple identical cartons, multiply single carton CBM by quantity. Example: 60cm x 40cm x 30cm = 0.072 CBM per carton.
CBM stands for Cubic Meter, the standard unit of volume in international freight. LCL shipments are priced per CBM. Knowing your CBM helps estimate freight costs and determine whether LCL or FCL is more cost-effective for your shipment.
A 20ft container has an internal volume of approximately 33.2 CBM. Usable cargo volume is typically 25-28 CBM due to packing efficiency. A 40ft standard container holds about 67.7 CBM (usable 55-60 CBM). A 40ft high-cube holds about 76.3 CBM (usable 62-68 CBM).
CBM = Length (m) x Width (m) x Height (m). For multiple cartons: Total CBM = Single CBM x Quantity. Unit conversions: cm / 100, mm / 1000, inches / 39.3701, feet / 3.28084.
Chargeable weight is the greater of actual gross weight and volumetric weight. Ocean freight: volumetric weight = CBM x 1,000 kg. Air freight: volumetric weight = CBM x 167 kg. If volumetric weight exceeds actual weight, you pay based on the volumetric weight.
Divide each dimension in cm by 100 to get meters, then multiply all three. Shortcut: multiply all three cm values together then divide by 1,000,000. Example: 50 x 40 x 30 cm = 60,000 / 1,000,000 = 0.060 CBM.
Divide each inch value by 39.3701 to convert to meters, then multiply. Or multiply all three inch values and divide by 61,023.7 (cubic inches per cubic meter). Example: 24 x 18 x 12 inches = 5,184 / 61,023.7 = 0.085 CBM.
1 CBM = 35.3147 cubic feet. 1 cubic foot = 0.0283 CBM. CBM is the international freight standard. Cubic feet is used domestically in the US. Multiply CBM by 35.3147 to convert to cubic feet.
LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo shares space and you pay per CBM. FCL (Full Container Load) means you book an entire container. FCL typically becomes more economical when your cargo exceeds 15-18 CBM. Below that, LCL is usually cheaper.
Volumetric weight for air freight = CBM x 167. Example: 0.5 CBM shipment = 83.5 kg volumetric weight. If actual weight is less, the airline charges based on 83.5 kg. For ocean freight, 1 CBM = 1,000 kg (1 metric ton).
Calculate your carton CBM, then divide 1.0 by that number. A 50cm x 40cm x 50cm carton = 0.10 CBM, so 10 fit per CBM. A 30cm x 25cm x 20cm carton = 0.015 CBM, so about 67 fit per CBM.
Use the bounding box method: measure the longest length, widest width, and tallest height as if the item were in a rectangular box. This is the industry standard because carriers allocate rectangular space regardless of actual shape. It always slightly overestimates but is universally accepted.
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