CBM Calculator for Shipping

How do you calculate CBM?

For a rectangular package, multiply its length, width and height in metres:

CBM per unit = length (m) × width (m) × height (m)

Multiply that result by the number of identical units. For mixed-size cargo, calculate each group separately and add the group volumes together.

Use the same measurement unit for all three dimensions within a group. The calculator lets different groups use different units and converts them before adding the volumes.

For example, a box measuring 24 × 16 × 20 inches has a volume of 0.12585265152 m³, displayed as 0.126 m³. The calculation retains precision before rounding the result.

One cubic metre is approximately 35.315 cubic feet. The exact length factors used for the conversions are documented in NIST’s unit conversion factors.

How should you measure cartons and pallets?

Packed cartons

Measure the carton after it is packed and closed. Use the outside length, width and height, including any bulges or protective material extending beyond the box. Product dimensions and the carton’s inside dimensions may leave out space the shipment occupies.

Group cartons together only when their packed dimensions match. If the sizes differ, enter another group instead of using an average box size.

Loaded pallets

Measure the finished load’s longest and widest points, then measure its total height from the bottom of the pallet to the highest point. Include the pallet, wrapping and anything extending beyond the pallet’s edges.

Enter the number of pallets with those same finished dimensions. If a pallet has been entered, leave its individual cartons out of the total to avoid counting the load twice.

For irregular or protruding cargo, record the maximum outside dimensions and explain the shape and handling needs in your enquiry. The enclosing rectangular volume helps describe the load; it does not determine the carrier’s final rating.

Worked CBM examples

These hypothetical examples show how to check a shipment total.

Identical cartons

Eight packed cartons each measure 60 × 40 × 50 cm.

One carton: 60 × 40 × 50 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.120 m³.
Eight cartons: 0.120 × 8 = 0.960 m³.

Mixed-size packages

Add three crates, each measuring 1 × 0.5 × 0.4 m, to the eight cartons above.

One loaded pallet

A finished pallet measuring 120 × 100 × 150 cm, including the pallet base and wrapping, occupies:

120 × 100 × 150 ÷ 1,000,000 = 1.800 m³.

This is the volume of the complete packed pallet.

What does CBM mean in shipping?

CBM means cubic metre, also spelled cubic meter. It measures volume: a space 1 metre long, 1 metre wide and 1 metre high is 1 CBM, or 1 m³.

In shipping, CBM describes the space occupied by packed cargo. It is different from the cargo’s weight in kilograms. UPS provides a short explanation of the CBM definition and calculation.

Does CBM tell you the shipping cost?

CBM is one input for a freight quote. The route, transport service, gross weight, handling needs and included pickup or delivery services also affect the price. Two shipments with the same CBM can have different freight costs.

There is no fixed kilogram equivalent for 1 CBM: a cubic metre of light goods can weigh much less than a cubic metre of dense goods.

For LCL ocean freight, ask the forwarder to confirm the chargeable basis. Do not assume the entered CBM is the quantity used to price the shipment.

For air freight, carriers may compare actual weight with dimensional weight under the booked service’s rules. Our air freight chargeable weight guide explains that calculation. The CBM total here is a volume measurement, not a billing-weight result.

Will your cargo fit in a container?

CBM alone cannot confirm whether a shipment will fit in a 20-foot, 40-foot or high-cube container. Before choosing equipment, check:

• Whether each packed piece can pass through the door opening.
• How the pieces can be arranged, secured and stacked.
• Gross weight, payload limits and available handling equipment.

Use our shipping container dimensions guide to check the physical sizes and clearances. To assess a shared-container or full-container service, compare LCL and FCL shipping. There is no single CBM cutoff that makes one option best for every shipment.