Shipping CBM Calculator
Calculation Results
Understanding CBM in Logistics
CBM stands for Cubic Meter. It is the standard unit of measurement used in international shipping to determine the volume of a shipment. Whether you are shipping via sea (LCL), air, or road, CBM is critical for calculating freight costs and space utilization.
How is CBM Calculated?
The formula for CBM is straightforward: Length × Width × Height = Volume. If you have multiple boxes of the same size, you multiply the result by the quantity of items.
- Centimeters: (L x W x H) / 1,000,000
- Meters: (L x W x H)
- Inches: (L x W x H) / 61,024
Practical Example
Suppose you are shipping 10 cartons. Each carton has a length of 50cm, width of 40cm, and height of 40cm.
Step 1: 50 x 40 x 40 = 80,000 cubic cm per box.
Step 2: 80,000 / 1,000,000 = 0.08 CBM per box.
Step 3: 0.08 CBM x 10 boxes = 0.8 CBM Total Volume.
Why is Volumetric Weight Important?
Couriers and airlines use "Chargeable Weight." This is either the actual gross weight or the volumetric weight, whichever is higher. For air freight, the standard conversion factor is 1 CBM = 167 kg. This ensures that light, bulky items (like a box of pillows) are priced fairly compared to small, heavy items (like steel bolts).
Shipping Container Capacities
To help you plan your shipment, here are standard CBM capacities for common shipping containers:
| Container Type | Approx. Capacity |
|---|---|
| 20ft Standard Container | 28 – 30 CBM |
| 40ft Standard Container | 56 – 60 CBM |
| 40ft High Cube Container | 68 – 72 CBM |
| 45ft High Cube Container | 78 – 85 CBM |