CBM Calculator
Calculate cubic meters, volumetric weight, and container capacity for your shipments. Free, instant, no signup required.
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Tip: Always measure the outer dimensions of your packages, including any packaging materials. This ensures accurate shipping cost calculations.
What is CBM?
CBM (Cubic Meter) is the standard unit of measurement used in international freight shipping to calculate cargo volume. It's essential for determining shipping costs, especially for Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments where you pay based on the space your cargo occupies. Understanding CBM helps you optimize container space, compare shipping quotes, and avoid unexpected freight charges.
CBM Calculation Formula
L (cm) × W (cm) × H (cm) ÷ 1,000,000L (in) × W (in) × H (in) ÷ 61,024Volumetric Weight by Transport Mode
| Transport Mode | Formula | DIM Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight | 1 CBM = 1,000 kg | 1,000 |
| Air Freight | L×W×H (cm) ÷ 6,000 | 6,000 |
| Express Courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS) | L×W×H (cm) ÷ 5,000 | 5,000 |
Container Capacities
| Container Type | Max CBM | Usable CBM* | Max Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | 33 m³ | 25-28 m³ | 21,770 kg |
| 40ft Standard | 67 m³ | 55-58 m³ | 26,680 kg |
| 40ft High Cube | 76 m³ | 65-68 m³ | 26,480 kg |
* Usable capacity assumes 80-85% practical loading efficiency, accounting for cargo arrangement and safety requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CBM in shipping?
CBM stands for Cubic Meter, the standard unit of measurement used in international shipping to determine cargo volume. It's calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of your cargo (in meters). Shipping companies use CBM to allocate container space and calculate freight costs.
How do I calculate CBM for multiple boxes?
Calculate the CBM for each box type using the formula: Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m). Then multiply by the quantity of boxes and add all results together. Our calculator handles this automatically - just add multiple packages with their dimensions and quantities.
What is volumetric weight and why does it matter?
Volumetric weight (also called dimensional weight) is a pricing technique that accounts for package volume, not just actual weight. Light but bulky items take up space, so carriers charge based on whichever is higher: actual weight or volumetric weight. This "chargeable weight" determines your shipping cost.
What is the difference between DIM factor 5000 and 6000?
The DIM factor (dimensional factor) is the divisor used to calculate volumetric weight. Air freight typically uses 6000 (L×W×H in cm ÷ 6000 = kg), while express couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS use 5000. Lower DIM factors result in higher volumetric weight and potentially higher shipping costs.
When should I use FCL vs LCL shipping?
LCL (Less than Container Load) is recommended for shipments under 14 CBM. FCL (Full Container Load) becomes more cost-effective when your cargo exceeds 14 CBM for a 20ft container or 28 CBM for a 40ft container. Our calculator provides recommendations based on your cargo volume.
What is the usable capacity of a shipping container?
While a 20ft container has 33 CBM maximum capacity, the practical usable space is about 25-28 CBM (80-85%). This accounts for cargo arrangement, pallet spacing, and safe loading practices. A 40ft container offers 55-58 CBM usable space, and a 40ft High Cube offers 65-68 CBM.
How accurate is this CBM calculator?
Our calculator uses standard industry formulas for CBM and volumetric weight calculations. For official shipping quotes, always verify with your freight forwarder or carrier, as they may have specific requirements or rounding rules. Measure outer dimensions including packaging for accurate results.
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