CBM Calculator
Cargo Specifications
Enter the dimensions and quantity for each package type. Multiple cargo lines are supported.
| # | Description (Optional) | Length | Width | Height | Unit | Qty | Unit Weight | Unit | Line CBM | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | — |
Your Shipment
Shipment Summary
Total Cargo Volume
0.00 ft³ (Cubic Feet)
Air Freight
Volumetric ratio: 1:6000 (166.67 kg/m³)
Maximum of Actual Weight (0 kg) and Volumetric Weight (0.00 kg)
Estimated Container Utilization
Standard ISO ocean container reference volumes
Important Notice:
Container utilization is a volume-based estimate. Actual loading depends on cargo dimensions, package orientation, stacking, pallets, container door dimensions, weight limits and loading practices.
What is CBM (Cubic Metre)?
Understanding volume measurement in international freight and logistics
The Definition of CBM
CBM stands for Cubic Metre (or m³). It is the standard metric unit used across international ocean freight, air cargo, and logistics to measure the three-dimensional space occupied by freight packages.
Freight forwarders and shipping lines use CBM to calculate shipping volume, container stuffing density, and volumetric weight for freight rate quotations.
CBM Calculation Formulas
1. When dimensions are in Metres (m):
CBM = Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m)
2. When dimensions are in Centimetres (cm):
CBM = (Length × Width × Height) / 1,000,000
Practical Calculation Example
Suppose an exporter in Mumbai is shipping 100 cartons of electronic goods to Dubai. Each carton has dimensions of 60 cm length × 40 cm width × 50 cm height and weighs 20 kg.
• Volume per carton = (60 × 40 × 50) / 1,000,000 = 120,000 / 1,000,000 = 0.120 m³ (CBM)
• Total Shipment CBM = 0.120 × 100 cartons = 12.000 CBM
• Total Cubic Feet = 12.000 × 35.3146667 = 423.78 CFT
• Total Gross Weight = 100 × 20 kg = 2,000.00 kg (4,409.25 lb)
• Air Volumetric Weight = (12.000 × 1,000,000) / 6000 = 2,000.00 kg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Essential questions on cargo volume, volumetric weight, and container capacity
What does CBM mean?
CBM stands for Cubic Metre, the standard SI unit of volume measurement equal to a cube with dimensions 1 metre on each side (1m × 1m × 1m). In trade, it denotes the total space occupied by shipment packaging.
How do I calculate CBM?
Multiply the Length, Width, and Height of your package in metres. For centimetre measurements, multiply Length × Width × Height (in cm) and divide the total by 1,000,000. Multiply by total package quantity for the total shipment volume.
How many CBM is a 20-foot container?
A standard 20-foot shipping container (20' GP) has an internal volume of approximately 33.2 CBM. However, due to practical carton stacking, pallets, and door clearances, realistic usable cargo capacity is typically around 25 to 28 CBM.
What is volumetric weight?
Volumetric weight (also called dimensional weight) reflects cargo density. For air freight, airlines use the standard IATA divisor of 6000 cm³/kg (1 CBM = 166.67 kg). Airlines charge based on whichever is greater: the actual gross weight or the volumetric weight.
Is CBM the same as weight?
No. CBM measures volume (the 3D space occupied by the goods), whereas weight measures mass (in kilograms or pounds). Light but bulky items (e.g., cotton, feathers, empty plastic bottles) occupy high CBM with low weight, while dense items (e.g., steel, marble) occupy low CBM with high weight. Both metrics are critical to determining freight costs and container limits.