CBM Calculator
Add shipping items
Enter the dimensions of your items above to calculate total CBM, container fit, and freight weight.
How to Use the CBM Calculator
Enter Item Dimensions
For each item in your shipment, enter the length, width, and height. Select the appropriate unit from the dropdown (mm, cm, m, in, ft, or yd). You can mix units across different rows — each item is converted to meters independently.
Add Quantity and Weight
Enter the number of units in the Qty field. If you need volumetric and chargeable weight calculations, also enter the weight per single unit in the Weight/unit column. Toggle the weight unit between kg and lbs at the top right.
Add More Items
Click the '+ Add Item' button to add another row for a different product or package type. You can remove any row using the trash icon on the right. The calculator updates in real time as you type.
Review Results and Export
Check the total CBM, container fill bars, and shipping recommendation in the results panel. Use the Download button to export your item list with CBM values to CSV for sharing with your freight forwarder or filing with your shipment records.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CBM and why is it used in shipping?
CBM stands for Cubic Meter and is the standard unit for measuring cargo volume in international shipping. Freight carriers use CBM to determine how much space your goods occupy in a container or aircraft hold. For ocean freight, LCL (Less than Container Load) rates are typically quoted per CBM because multiple shippers share container space and each pays for the volume they use. For air freight, CBM feeds into the dimensional weight calculation — airlines charge the higher of actual weight or volumetric weight to ensure they are compensated fairly for bulky, lightweight cargo. Using CBM as the common unit makes it possible to compare quotes from different carriers and to plan container loads efficiently.
What is the difference between LCL and FCL?
LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo is consolidated with other shippers' goods in a shared container. You pay only for the space your cargo uses, typically billed per CBM with a minimum charge. LCL is cost-effective for small shipments but involves more handling — cargo is loaded and unloaded at a consolidation warehouse, which can add time and slightly increase the risk of damage. FCL (Full Container Load) means you book an entire container exclusively for your cargo. You pay a flat rate for the container regardless of how full it is. FCL is generally more economical once your shipment reaches roughly 15 CBM, and it offers faster transit times and less handling risk.
How is volumetric weight calculated for air freight?
Volumetric weight for air freight is calculated by dividing the total volume of your shipment (in cubic centimeters) by 6,000. This gives you a weight in kilograms that reflects the dimensional space your cargo occupies. The formula is: Volumetric Weight (kg) = (L cm × W cm × H cm) / 6,000, which is equivalent to CBM × 1,000 / 6 ≈ CBM × 166.67. Airlines charge whichever is greater — the actual gross weight or the volumetric weight — so if you are shipping bulky but light goods such as foam, pillows, or large plastic items, you will likely be charged on volumetric weight. This is important to know when comparing air vs sea freight costs.
What is chargeable weight?
Chargeable weight is the weight your air freight carrier will actually invoice you for. It is the higher of two figures: your shipment's actual gross weight (the physical weight on a scale) and its volumetric weight (calculated from dimensions). If your cargo is dense and heavy, the actual weight is likely higher and that is what you pay for. If your cargo is bulky but light — for example, furniture, clothing, or large empty boxes — the volumetric weight will be higher. Carriers apply this rule to ensure they are fairly compensated for the physical space a shipment occupies in their aircraft, regardless of how heavy or light it is.
How full can I actually fill a shipping container?
The volumes shown in this calculator (31.2 m³ for a 20ft, 67.0 m³ for a 40ft, 76.1 m³ for a 40ft High Cube) represent the theoretical internal usable space. In practice, you should plan to use no more than 85–90% of this volume. Reasons include: the container door and wall structure reduce usable depth slightly; cargo must be properly braced and secured, which uses some space; irregular carton sizes mean there will always be some void space between stacks; and goods often cannot be stacked all the way to the ceiling due to weight limits or fragility. A practical rule of thumb is to multiply the container's stated volume by 0.85 to get your safe planning volume.
Can I use different units for different items?
Yes — this calculator converts all dimensions to meters independently for each row before calculating CBM. This means you can enter one item in centimeters, another in inches, and a third in feet all in the same calculation, and the totals will be correct. This is especially useful when your supplier provides dimensions in centimeters but your own packaging spec sheet uses inches. Simply select the correct unit from the dropdown on each row and the conversion is handled automatically. The total CBM and CBF displayed at the top always reflect the sum of all items converted to the same base unit.