CBM Calculator
Cubic meters, cubic feet, gross weight and volumetric weight for your cartons.
CBM Calculator turns carton dimensions into the numbers freight is actually priced on: volume in cubic meters (CBM) and cubic feet, total gross weight, and volumetric weight. Measure one carton, enter the count, and the totals scale automatically.
How to use
- Enter one carton’s length, width and height — in centimeters or inches — plus how many cartons you have.
- Add the gross weight per carton, in kilograms or pounds.
- Read off total volume in CBM and cubic feet, total gross weight, and the volumetric weight couriers and airlines will compare it against.
About this tool
Volumetric (dimensional) weight exists because a plane or van fills up by space before it maxes out by weight. Carriers divide the carton’s volume in cubic centimeters by a divisor — 5000 or 6000 for couriers, 6000 for air freight — and charge for whichever is heavier: the scale weight or the volumetric weight.
Everything is calculated locally in your browser; no shipment details are uploaded or stored.
How it works
CBM per carton = length × width × height ÷ 1,000,000, with dimensions in centimeters. A 60 × 40 × 40 cm carton is 96,000 cm³ = 0.096 CBM. In inches, convert each side to centimeters first (× 2.54) — or divide cubic inches by 61,023.7.
Volumetric weight (kg) = length × width × height (cm) ÷ divisor. The same 60 × 40 × 40 carton is 19.2 kg volumetric at ÷5000 and 16 kg at ÷6000. If its scale weight is 12 kg, you will be billed for 19.2 kg by a ÷5000 courier — light, bulky cartons are where volumetric pricing bites.
Cubic feet = CBM × 35.3147. US warehouses and some carriers quote in cu ft; everyone else in freight quotes CBM.
Worked examples
A 200-carton shipment: Cartons of 50 × 35 × 35 cm at 9 kg each, 200 cartons: total volume 12.25 CBM, total gross weight 1,800 kg, volumetric weight 2,450 kg at ÷5000 — a courier bills the volumetric figure, an ocean freight forwarder bills the CBM.
Downsizing the box: Repacking the same product from a 60 × 40 × 40 cm carton into 55 × 38 × 36 cm drops volumetric weight at ÷6000 from 16 kg to 12.5 kg per carton — across 500 cartons that is 1,750 kg of billable weight gone.
Quick reference
| Measure | Formula / value |
|---|---|
| 1 CBM | 35.3147 cu ft |
| CBM per carton | L × W × H (cm) ÷ 1,000,000 |
| Volumetric kg (÷5000) | L × W × H (cm) ÷ 5000 — express couriers |
| Volumetric kg (÷6000) | L × W × H (cm) ÷ 6000 — couriers & air freight |
| Chargeable weight | The greater of gross weight and volumetric weight |
Frequently asked questions
What is CBM?
CBM is cubic meters — length × width × height of a carton, in meters. Freight quotes, warehouse space and container capacity are all measured in CBM. One CBM is 35.3147 cubic feet.
Why do couriers use 5000 and airlines 6000?
The divisor converts volume into an equivalent weight. A smaller divisor (5000) produces a higher volumetric weight — express couriers use it because their networks are space-constrained; general air freight traditionally uses 6000. Always check which divisor your carrier applies.
How many CBM fit in a 20ft container?
A 20GP container has about 33 CBM of internal volume, and in practice roughly 25–28 CBM can be loaded depending on carton sizes and how well they stack. A 40HQ holds about 76 CBM nominally.
Should I measure the inside or outside of the carton?
Outside. Carriers measure the carton as presented, including any bulge, and bill on the largest dimensions they record.
More free tools
Percentage Calculator
Work out percentages, increases and discounts in one click.
Age Calculator
Find your exact age in years, months and days.
BMI Calculator
Check your Body Mass Index in seconds.
Tip Calculator
Split the bill and work out the tip in seconds.
Discount Calculator
See the sale price and how much you save, instantly.
Unit Converter
Convert length, weight and temperature instantly.