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Cubic Meter (CBM) Calculator & Volume Planner

Quickly calculate shipping volume (CBM/CFT) and total weight for mixed cargo. View instant container utilization recommendations across standard shipping types.

Add Cargo Item

Cargo List

DescriptionQtyDimensionsUnit WtVol (CBM)Action
Standard Cartons15060×40×40 cm12 kg14.400

Consignment Summary

Total Volume (Metric)
14.400 m³
Total Volume (Imperial)
508.5 ft³
Total Weight (Kg)
1,800 kg
Total Weight (Lbs)
3,968.3 lb

Shipping Container Fit

20ft Standard DryFits

Commonly used for heavy, compact cargo.

Volume utilization43.4% (14.4 / 33.2 m³)
Weight utilization6.4% (1,800 / 28,200 kg)
40ft Standard DryFits

The industry workhorse for general freight.

Volume utilization21.3% (14.4 / 67.7 m³)
Weight utilization6.7% (1,800 / 26,700 kg)
40ft High Cube (HC)Fits

Extra height for light, voluminous cargo.

Volume utilization18.8% (14.4 / 76.4 m³)
Weight utilization6.8% (1,800 / 26,500 kg)

Will this cargo actually pack?

Pure math doesn't account for box orientations, stacking rules, or axle weight distribution. Turn your calculation into a real 3D load plan instantly.

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/ HOW IT WORKS

How to calculate CBM

CBM (cubic meters) is the volume your cargo occupies — the number freight forwarders use to price sea and air shipments. The math is simple; the calculator above just does it for mixed cargo instantly.

01

Measure each box

Length × Width × Height of one carton, in centimeters (or inches).

02

Volume per box

Multiply the three dimensions to get the volume of a single package.

03

Multiply by quantity

Times the number of identical cartons to get the total cargo volume.

04

Convert to m³

Divide by 1,000,000 if measured in cm (or by 61,023.74 if in inches).

CBM=(L × W × H in cm × Qty)÷1,000,000
/ FAQ

CBM, answered

What is CBM in shipping?

CBM stands for cubic meter — the total volume of your cargo (length × width × height). Carriers use it, alongside weight, to price freight.

How many CBM fit in a 20ft container?

A 20ft standard container holds roughly 33 m³ of usable volume; a 40ft holds about 67 m³. Real capacity is lower once you account for stacking and box orientation — the calculator above estimates utilization for each type.

What's the difference between CBM and CFT?

CFT is the same volume expressed in cubic feet. 1 CBM ≈ 35.31 CFT. The calculator shows both side by side.

What is chargeable (volumetric) weight?

Carriers bill the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight. For sea LCL the rule of thumb is 1 CBM = 1,000 kg; for air, volume in cm³ ÷ 6,000 gives the chargeable weight in kg. If your cargo is light and bulky, CBM usually decides the bill.

CBM tells you the volume. We tell you if it fits.

Pure volume ignores box orientation, stacking rules and axle weight. Turn your numbers into a real, balanced 3D load plan — free.

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