CBM Calculator — Cubic Meter & Freight Volume
Calculate CBM (cubic meters), volumetric weight, chargeable weight, and container utilization for international shipments. Supports cm, mm, inches, feet, and meters.
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CBM (Cubic Meter) is the standard unit of measurement for ocean freight volume in international shipping. One CBM equals the volume of a cube measuring 1 meter on each side (1m × 1m × 1m = 1,000 liters).
How to Calculate CBM
CBM = Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m)
If your measurements are in centimeters: CBM = (L × W × H) ÷ 1,000,000
CBM to KG (Volumetric Weight)
Freight carriers charge by chargeable weight — the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight. Volumetric weight converts volume to an equivalent weight:
Volumetric Weight (kg) = (L × W × H in cm) ÷ 6,000
For express/courier: ÷ 5,000 instead of 6,000.
CBM to Ton
In ocean freight, 1 CBM = 1 freight ton (revenue ton) for billing purposes. LCL shipments are charged per CBM or per 1,000 kg (1 metric ton) — whichever is greater.
Container Capacities
| Container | Internal (m) | Volume | Max Load | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard (20GP) | 5.9 × 2.35 × 2.39 | 33.2 m³ | 21.8 tons | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| 40ft Standard (40GP) | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 | 67.7 m³ | 26.8 tons | $4,000 – $6,500 |
| 40ft High Cube (40HC) | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 | 76.3 m³ | 26.6 tons | $4,500 – $7,000 |