CBM Calculator
Calculate cubic meters (CBM) for cartons, pallets and export shipments. Use this tool to estimate freight volume before requesting ocean freight, air freight or container shipping quotes.
CBM Formula
CBM = Length x Width x Height x Quantity
When dimensions are in centimeters:
CBM = Length (cm) x Width (cm) x Height (cm) x Quantity / 1,000,000
Example
A carton is 60 cm x 40 cm x 35 cm, and the shipment has 500 cartons.
CBM = 60 x 40 x 35 x 500 / 1,000,000 = 42 CBM
Why CBM Matters in Shipping
CBM is used by freight forwarders to estimate how much space your cargo takes in a container or in an LCL shipment. For light but bulky cargo, volume may matter more than actual weight. For dense cargo such as fresh vegetables, seeds, machinery parts or raw materials, both cargo weight and CBM should be checked before booking.
Quick Reference
1 cubic meter = 35.3147 cubic feet
1 cubic foot = 0.0283168 cubic meters
Related Calculators
Ocean Freight Calculator
Container Shipping Cost Calculator
Landed Cost Calculator
CIF Calculator
Freight Cost per Ton Calculator
Reefer Container Shipping Cost Calculator
Get a Freight Quote
For real shipments, CBM is only one part of the quote. Share your route, container type, cargo name, weight, CBM and cargo ready date to get a practical freight estimate.