CBM to Volume Weight Calculator
Calculate Cubic Meters, Volumetric Weight, and Chargeable Weight for logistics and freight planning.
Centimeters (cm) & Kilograms (kg)
Inches (in) & Pounds (lbs)
Select your input unit system.
Please enter a valid length.
Please enter a valid width.
Please enter a valid height.
Please enter a valid quantity.
Gross weight of a single package.
Please enter a valid weight.
Courier / Express (Divisor 5000)
Air Freight (Divisor 6000)
Sea Freight LCL (Ratio 1:1000)
Determines how volumetric weight is calculated.
Chargeable Weight (Total)
0 kg
Based on Actual Weight
Total Volume (CBM)
0.000 m³
Total Volumetric Weight
0 kg
Total Actual Gross Weight
0 kg
Comparison: Actual vs. Volumetric Weight
| Metric | Per Unit | Total Shipment |
|---|---|---|
| Volume (CBM/ft³) | – | – |
| Actual Weight | – | – |
| Volumetric Weight | – | – |
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What is a cbm to volume weight calculator?
A cbm to volume weight calculator is an essential logistics tool used by importers, exporters, and freight forwarders to determine the chargeable weight of a shipment. In the logistics industry, carriers charge based on either the actual gross weight or the volumetric (dimensional) weight of the cargo—whichever is higher.
Understanding how to convert CBM (Cubic Meters) to volume weight is critical for budgeting shipping costs. Many businesses underestimate their freight spend because they calculate costs based solely on the actual weight of their goods, ignoring the space the cargo occupies in an aircraft or shipping container.
This calculator is designed for supply chain managers, e-commerce sellers, and logistics coordinators who need precise estimations for air freight, express courier (DHL/FedEx/UPS), and sea freight shipments.
CBM to Volume Weight Calculator Formula and Explanation
The calculation involves two main steps: finding the volume in Cubic Meters (CBM) and applying a conversion factor (divisor) to determine the volumetric weight.
Step 1: Calculate CBM
The formula for CBM is:
CBM = (Length cm × Width cm × Height cm) / 1,000,000
Step 2: Calculate Volumetric Weight
Once the volume is known, or using the raw dimensions, the volumetric weight is calculated using a "dim divisor." The formula varies by transport mode:
Volumetric Weight (kg) = (Length × Width × Height) / Divisor
Variable Reference Table
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| L, W, H | Dimensions of the package | cm or inches | 10cm – 300cm |
| Divisor | Dimensional Factor set by carrier | Constant | 5000, 6000, or 1000 |
| CBM | Cubic Meter Volume | m³ | 0.01 – 100+ |
| Chargeable Weight | The weight used for billing | kg | > 0 |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Light but Bulky Air Freight
Scenario: You are shipping 10 boxes of pillows. Each box weighs 5 kg but measures 60cm × 50cm × 50cm. You are using standard Air Freight (Divisor 6000).
- Actual Weight: 10 boxes × 5 kg = 50 kg.
- Volume Calculation: 60 × 50 × 50 = 150,000 cm³ per box.
- Volumetric Weight: 150,000 / 6000 = 25 kg per box. Total = 250 kg.
- Result: Since 250 kg (Volumetric) > 50 kg (Actual), the Chargeable Weight is 250 kg.
Example 2: Dense Hardware via Courier
Scenario: You are shipping a box of metal bolts via DHL (Divisor 5000). Dimensions are 20cm × 20cm × 20cm. Weight is 15 kg.
- Actual Weight: 15 kg.
- Volumetric Weight: (20 × 20 × 20) / 5000 = 1.6 kg.
- Result: Since 15 kg (Actual) > 1.6 kg (Volumetric), the Chargeable Weight is 15 kg.
How to Use This CBM to Volume Weight Calculator
- Select Unit: Choose between Centimeters/Kg or Inches/Lbs based on your packing list.
- Enter Dimensions: Input the Length, Width, and Height of a single carton.
- Enter Quantity: Input the total number of identical cartons.
- Enter Weight: Input the actual gross weight of one carton.
- Select Factor: Choose "Courier (5000)" for FedEx/DHL/UPS, "Air Freight (6000)" for general air cargo, or "Sea Freight" for ocean shipments.
- Analyze Results: Look at the "Chargeable Weight" result. This is the weight you will be billed for.
Key Factors That Affect CBM and Volume Weight Results
Several financial and logistical factors influence the final calculation provided by a cbm to volume weight calculator:
- Carrier Divisor Policy: Express couriers typically use 5000 (making vol weight higher), while traditional air freight uses 6000. Negotiating this divisor can save 20% on shipping costs.
- Palletization: If you stack boxes on a pallet, the carrier measures the entire pallet dimensions, not just the boxes. This increases CBM and chargeable weight significantly.
- Irregular Shapes: Carriers treat irregular items as if they were in a rectangular box that encloses the item at its widest points, maximizing the CBM.
- Stackability: Non-stackable pallets often get charged for the vertical air space above them in a container or aircraft, effectively increasing the billable volume.
- Unit Accuracy: Rounding up dimensions by even 1cm per box can drastically increase total chargeable weight on large shipments due to the multiplier effect.
- Minimum Density Rules: Some LTL (Less Than Truckload) carriers have density-based freight classes that function similarly to volume weight but use "pcf" (pounds per cubic foot) classifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between Actual Weight and Volumetric Weight?
Actual weight is how heavy the item is on a scale. Volumetric weight is a calculation of how much space it takes up. Carriers charge based on whichever is higher to ensure they are compensated for space occupied by light, bulky items.
Why do different couriers use different divisors (5000 vs 6000)?
It depends on their fleet density and business model. Couriers like DHL/FedEx/UPS generally use 5000 to account for door-to-door handling costs, while airport-to-airport cargo often uses 6000.
Does Sea Freight use Volumetric Weight?
Yes, but the ratio is different. Usually, 1 CBM is considered equivalent to 1000 kg. Since most ocean cargo is dense, you are usually charged by Volume (CBM) rather than weight, unless the cargo is extremely heavy (like steel).
How can I reduce my chargeable weight?
Reduce the size of your packaging. Use vacuum sealing for textiles, disassemble furniture, or nest items to reduce dead air space inside the box.
Is the CBM calculator accurate for cylinders?
Carriers measure cylinders as rectangular prisms (Diameter x Diameter x Length). Enter the diameter as both Length and Width in this cbm to volume weight calculator for accurate carrier pricing.
What is the "Chargeable Weight"?
Chargeable weight is the final weight figure found on your invoice. It is simply the greater value between the Gross Weight and the Volumetric Weight.
How many CBM are in a 20ft container?
A standard 20ft container has a total capacity of roughly 33 CBM, but realistically holds about 25-28 CBM of palletized cargo.
Does this calculator handle multiple different box sizes?
This tool calculates for one box size at a time. For mixed shipments, calculate each box type separately and add the Chargeable Weights together.