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Free CBM Calculator

Calculate the cubic metre volume of your shipment instantly. See which containers fit, check weight limits, and find the optimal packing plan — all in one place.

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Item nameL (cm)W (cm)H (cm)Wt (kg)QtyCBM
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Enter at least one item above to see your CBM result and container fit.

Did you know?

CBM doesn't tell you which containers to book.That's where money gets left on the table.

2×20ft vs 1×40ft HC vs 1×40ft Standard — same cargo, vastly different cost. Our engine computes the optimal load plan for every combination and surfaces the cheapest one — instantly.

What is CBM in shipping?

CBM stands for Cubic Metre — the standard unit used in international freight to measure the volume of a shipment. Freight forwarders, carriers, and customs agents all use CBM to calculate rates, allocate space in containers, and determine whether cargo qualifies for LCL (Less than Container Load) or FCL (Full Container Load) shipment.

One CBM equals one cubic metre of space: 100 cm × 100 cm × 100 cm. A standard 20ft shipping container holds approximately 25–28 CBM of usable cargo space (the theoretical maximum is ~33 CBM, but structural elements and loading constraints reduce the practical capacity).

How to calculate CBM for a carton

The formula is straightforward:

CBM = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 1,000,000(if dimensions are in cm)

For a carton measuring 50 cm × 40 cm × 30 cm: 50 × 40 × 30 = 60,000 cm³ = 0.06 CBM per carton.

For a shipment of 48 such cartons: 48 × 0.06 = 2.88 CBM total. This shipment would comfortably fit in a 20ft container (25 CBM capacity) at about 11.5% fill — or be consolidated as LCL freight.

Standard container CBM capacity chart

Container TypeInternal LengthInternal WidthInternal HeightVolume (CBM)Max Payload
20ft Standard5.90 m2.35 m2.39 m25.0 m³21,800 kg
40ft Standard12.03 m2.35 m2.39 m55.0 m³26,700 kg
40ft High Cube12.03 m2.35 m2.69 m76.0 m³26,460 kg
20ft High Cube5.90 m2.35 m2.69 m37.0 m³21,800 kg
45ft High Cube13.55 m2.35 m2.69 m86.0 m³27,700 kg
LCL breakpoint———≥ 15 m³—

CBM vs chargeable weight — which one do you pay for?

In freight, carriers charge based on whichever is higher: the actual weight of the cargo or its volumetric (dimensional) weight. The conversion rate differs by mode:

  • Sea freight (LCL): 1 CBM = 1,000 kg — the W/M (Weight/Measurement) rate. One freight ton equals 1 m³ or 1,000 kg, whichever is greater. So a 2 CBM shipment weighing 500 kg is charged at 2,000 kg.
  • Air freight: 1 CBM = 167 kg (6,000 cm³ per kg standard). A 2 CBM shipment has a dimensional weight of 334 kg — if the actual weight is less, you pay for 334 kg.
  • Road freight: 1 CBM = 333 kg (3,000 cm³ per kg standard). Used by most LTL and FTL operators in India and Europe. A 2 CBM shipment has a dimensional weight of 667 kg — bulky, light cargo almost always charges on volume.

Road and air freight dimensional weight penalties make accurate CBM calculation especially critical — bulky, lightweight cargo (furniture, foam, packaging) is almost always charged on dimensional weight, not actual weight.

LCL vs FCL: when does FCL become cheaper?

As a rule of thumb, FCL (Full Container Load) becomes cost-effective once your cargo exceeds approximately 14–15 CBM for a 20ft container, or when you need full container control for fragile, high-value, or time-sensitive goods. Below that threshold, LCL (Less than Container Load) consolidation typically offers better rates.

The break-even point varies by trade lane, carrier, and season. On the India–Europe corridor, FCL typically becomes cheaper around 12–14 CBM. On Asia–USA lanes, the threshold is often 10–12 CBM due to higher LCL surcharges. Always compare FCL and LCL quotes for shipments in the 8–20 CBM range.

Beyond CBM — the cheapest mix, packed optimally

CBM tells you the volume. Our engine computes the cheapest container combination and the tightest possible packing plan simultaneously — then shows you every carton in 3D.

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