Logistics
CBM Calculator
Enter carton size and quantity to get total cubic metres (CBM), cubic feet, total weight, and container fill. Supports cm, m, in, and ft — everything runs in your browser.
CBM (cubic metre) is the volume of your shipment. Enter one carton's dimensions and how many you have to see the total volume and, optionally, how it fits into a shipping container. Nothing is sent to a server.
Total CBM
2 m³
Your shipment is 2 m³ (70.63 ft³).
Summary
- Volume per carton
- 0.2 m³
- Total CBM
- 2 m³
- Total volume (ft³)
- 70.63 ft³
- Total weight
- 200 kg
- Container fill
- —
- Cartons per container
- —
- Containers needed
- —
How is this calculated?
Volume per carton = Length × Width × Height (converted to metres)
Total CBM = Volume per carton × Quantity
Cubic feet = Total CBM × 35.3146667
Container fill = Total CBM ÷ Container capacity × 100
Containers needed = Total CBM ÷ capacity, rounded up
What CBM measures
CBM is simply the volume your goods occupy, expressed in cubic metres. It is a core figure in freight because carriers price and plan around space, not just weight.
Converting units
Dimensions in centimetres, inches, or feet are converted to metres before the volume is calculated, so you can enter sizes in whatever unit your supplier provides and still get a consistent CBM result.
Planning container loads
Comparing total CBM against a container's usable capacity gives a quick estimate of fill percentage and the number of containers required. Because real capacity varies, the capacity field is editable.
Volume and cost
For LCL sea freight and air cargo, cost is frequently based on volumetric weight derived from CBM. Knowing your CBM up front helps you estimate freight and compare packing options.
Frequently asked questions
What is CBM?
CBM stands for cubic metre — a measure of volume. In shipping it describes how much space a shipment takes up, which often determines freight cost for sea (LCL) and air cargo.
How do I calculate CBM?
Multiply a carton's length, width, and height in metres to get its volume, then multiply by the number of cartons. If your dimensions are in centimetres, inches, or feet, convert to metres first — this calculator does that automatically.
How do I convert centimetres to CBM?
Divide each dimension in centimetres by 100 to get metres, then multiply the three together. For example, 100 × 50 × 40 cm is 1 × 0.5 × 0.4 m = 0.2 CBM per carton.
What is the difference between CBM and cubic feet?
Both measure volume; they just use different units. One cubic metre equals about 35.31 cubic feet. This tool shows the total in both.
How many CBM fit in a container?
As a rough guide, a 20-foot container holds around 33 CBM, a 40-foot around 67 CBM, and a 40-foot high cube around 76 CBM of usable space. Actual usable volume varies by container and how it is packed, so enter your own capacity when you know it.
Does CBM affect shipping cost?
Often yes. Sea LCL and air freight are commonly charged on the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight, and volumetric weight is derived from CBM. A larger volume usually means a higher cost.
How do I use CBM to plan container loading?
Compare your total CBM against a container's capacity to estimate fill percentage and how many containers you need. This tool reports both when you enter a container capacity.
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