CBM Calculator
CBM Calculator – Calculate Cubic Meter & Shipping Volume
Use this free CBM Calculator to easily calculate the volume of your shipment in cubic meters (m³). Whether you are shipping via sea or air, knowing the exact CBM is crucial for estimating freight costs and choosing the right container size.
What is CBM?
“CBM stands for Cubic Meter. It is the standard unit of measurement for the volume of freight in international shipping.[5] It is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of the cargo.
- Sea Freight (LCL): If you are shipping “Less than Container Load,” you are charged precisely by the CBM.
- Sea Freight (FCL): If you are shipping a “Full Container Load,” you need to know your total CBM to decide if you need a 20ft or a 40ft container.
- Air Freight: Couriers use CBM to calculate “Volumetric Weight,” which often costs more than the actual physical weight
How to Calculate CBM Manually (The Formula)
While our tool above does the heavy lifting for you, understanding the formula helps you plan better. The basic calculation for a rectangular carton is straightforward.
Formula: Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m) = CBM (m³)
How to Calculate CBM (Formula)
Google loves formulas. Use a list or a bold line.
- Formula: Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m) = CBM (m³)
- Example: If a carton is 0.5m long, 0.4m wide, and 0.3m high:
- 0.5 × 0.4 × 0.3 = 0.06 CBM
Volumetric Weight vs. Actual Weight
Explain this concept as it is a high-traffic keyword.
Draft: “Shipping carriers often charge based on whichever is greater: the actual gross weight or the volumetric weight. Light but bulky items (like cotton or foam) are charged by volume. Our calculator provides the estimated volumetric weight using the standard air freight divisor of 6000.”
Shipping Container Capacities
Include a table. This keeps users on the page longer.
- 20ft Container: Approx. 33 CBM
- 40ft Container: Approx. 67 CBM
- 40ft High Cube: Approx. 76 CBM
FAQ
How do I calculate CBM from inches?
Convert inches to meters by dividing by 39.37, then multiply
How many CBM is 1 kg?
It depends on density. In sea freight, 1 CBM is often treated as 1000 kg
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