Calculate the Cbm

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Shipping CBM Calculator

Centimeters (cm) Meters (m) Inches (in) Feet (ft)

Calculation Results

Total Volume (CBM):

0.000

Total Volume (CFT):

0.000

Volumetric Weight (Air Freight – 1:6000):

0.00 kg

function calculateFreightCBM() { var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById('cbmLength').value); var width = parseFloat(document.getElementById('cbmWidth').value); var height = parseFloat(document.getElementById('cbmHeight').value); var quantity = parseFloat(document.getElementById('cbmQuantity').value); var unit = document.getElementById('cbmUnit').value; if (isNaN(length) || isNaN(width) || isNaN(height) || isNaN(quantity) || length <= 0) { alert('Please enter valid positive dimensions and quantity.'); return; } var l_m, w_m, h_m; // Convert all to meters for standard CBM calculation if (unit === 'cm') { l_m = length / 100; w_m = width / 100; h_m = height / 100; } else if (unit === 'in') { l_m = length * 0.0254; w_m = width * 0.0254; h_m = height * 0.0254; } else if (unit === 'ft') { l_m = length * 0.3048; w_m = width * 0.3048; h_m = height * 0.3048; } else { l_m = length; w_m = width; h_m = height; } var totalCBM = l_m * w_m * h_m * quantity; var totalCFT = totalCBM * 35.3147; // Volumetric weight for Air Freight is typically (L*W*H in cm / 6000) var l_cm = l_m * 100; var w_cm = w_m * 100; var h_cm = h_m * 100; var volWeight = (l_cm * w_cm * h_cm * quantity) / 6000; document.getElementById('resCBM').innerText = totalCBM.toFixed(4) + ' m³'; document.getElementById('resCFT').innerText = totalCFT.toFixed(4) + ' ft³'; document.getElementById('resVolWeight').innerText = volWeight.toFixed(2) + ' kg'; document.getElementById('cbmResultArea').style.display = 'block'; }

Understanding CBM: How to Calculate Cubic Meters

Cubic Meter (CBM) is the standard unit of measurement used in international shipping and freight to determine the volume of a shipment. Whether you are shipping via ocean, air, or road, knowing how to calculate the CBM of your cargo is essential for obtaining accurate freight quotes and planning logistics.

The Standard CBM Formula

To calculate the CBM of a rectangular package, you multiply the length, width, and height of the box together. If you have multiple identical items, you multiply that result by the total quantity of boxes.

CBM = (Length × Width × Height) × Quantity

How to Calculate CBM with Different Units

Depending on your region, you might measure your boxes in centimeters, inches, or feet. Here is how to handle conversions:

  • Centimeters (cm): Divide each dimension by 100 before multiplying, or divide the final cubic centimeter result by 1,000,000.
  • Inches (in): Convert to meters by multiplying the inches by 0.0254.
  • Feet (ft): Convert to meters by multiplying the feet by 0.3048.

CBM vs. Volumetric Weight

In freight, you don't just pay for the physical weight. Carriers also consider the space your cargo takes up. This is called Volumetric Weight (or Dimensional Weight). If your package is very light but very large (like a box of pillows), you will be charged based on its CBM rather than its weight in kilograms.

Practical Example

Imagine you are shipping 10 boxes with the following dimensions:

  • Length: 50 cm (0.5m)
  • Width: 40 cm (0.4m)
  • Height: 40 cm (0.4m)
  • Quantity: 10

Calculation: 0.5m × 0.4m × 0.4m = 0.08 CBM per box.
Total Shipment: 0.08 CBM × 10 = 0.8 CBM.

Why Use a CBM Calculator?

Using a dedicated CBM calculator helps avoid manual math errors that could lead to unexpected shipping costs. It also provides a quick conversion to Cubic Feet (CFT), which is frequently used in the United States and for specific ocean freight containers.

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