CBM Calculator
Calculate cubic meters (CBM) for shipments in any unit — cm, mm, m, inches or feet — with volume-weight and container fill estimates.
Container fill estimate
Formulas: CBM = L×W×H ÷ (unit factor ×10⁶ for m³). Air-freight volumetric weight = cm³ ÷ 6000 (÷5000 for many couriers). Practical container volume is less than nominal; expect 10–25% lost to stacking gaps.
FAQ
What is CBM in shipping?
CBM (cubic meter) is the standard volume unit in freight: 1 CBM = 1m × 1m × 1m = 1,000 liters. LCL sea freight and most quotes are priced per CBM, so it is the first number a shipper needs.
How do I calculate CBM from cm?
Multiply length × width × height in centimeters, then divide by 1,000,000. Example: a 60×40×40 cm carton = 96,000 cm³ ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.096 CBM. Multiply by the number of cartons for the total shipment.
What is the volumetric weight ratio?
For air freight the industry standard is 1 CBM = 167 kg (i.e. dimensions in cm ÷ 6000 per kg). Road and courier services sometimes use ÷5000 or ÷4000. The calculator shows both.
How much fit in a 20ft or 40ft container?
Practical loading volume is roughly 28 CBM for a 20' GP, 58 CBM for a 40' GP and 68 CBM for a 40' HQ — actual usable space is 10–25% lower after stacking gaps. This tool estimates container fill from your total CBM.