CBM Calculator
Enter your carton dimensions and quantity to get the cubic metres (m³) per unit and total shipment volume — and roughly how many fit a container. Updates as you type.
Existing calculator defaults: a 60 × 40 × 30 cm carton occupies 0.0720 m³; 100 cartons occupy 7.200 m³. This is carton volume, before pallet space or loading gaps.
How to calculate CBM
CBM (cubic metres) measures shipment volume: CBM = length × width × height in metres. From centimetres, multiply the three and divide by 1,000,000. Multiply by quantity for the total. Freight is usually charged on whichever is greater — the actual weight or the volumetric weight — so CBM is what decides the cost of light, bulky goods.
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CBM calculation questions
How do I calculate CBM?
CBM is shipment volume in cubic metres: multiply length, width and height in metres, then multiply by the quantity for the total. Use the outside dimensions of the packed unit. The calculator estimates rectangular carton volume; pallets, loading gaps and irregular shapes need separate allowance when planning actual freight space.
- Measure packed length, width and height in centimetres.
- Multiply the dimensions and divide by 1,000,000 for cubic metres per unit.
- Multiply by quantity; assess pallets, loading gaps and weight limits separately.
How does a CBM calculator in cm work?
For dimensions in centimetres, multiply length by width by height and divide by 1,000,000 to obtain cubic metres per unit. Multiply that result by the number of units. Keep all dimensions in the same unit, measure the packed carton, and allow separately for pallets or gaps that the rectangular volume calculation excludes.
| Existing default | Value |
|---|---|
| Carton dimensions | 60 × 40 × 30 cm |
| Volume per carton | 0.0720 m³ |
| 100 cartons | 7.200 m³ |
What does cubic metres mean for shipment planning?
Cubic metres describe the space occupied by a rectangular shipment, rather than its mass or guaranteed container fit. The calculator multiplies the packed unit volume by quantity and provides a volume-only loading estimate. Check weight limits, door clearance, stacking and dunnage separately before treating the theoretical volume as an actual loading plan.
| Existing approximate usable volume | Range |
|---|---|
| 20ft container | 28–33 CBM |
| 40ft container | 58–67 CBM |
| 40ft high-cube | 68–76 CBM |