Volumetric Weight Calculator
Volumetric, actual and chargeable weight for courier and freight packages, with every step shown.
CBM Calculator
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Carton and cargo volume in CBM and cubic feet from dimensions in cm, m, mm or inches.
Outer carton size in the unit chosen above, up to 3 decimal places.
Outer carton size in the unit chosen above, up to 3 decimal places.
Outer carton size in the unit chosen above, up to 3 decimal places.
A whole number from 1 to 1,000,000.
Result
Enter the values above to see the result.
How to use
- Choose the unit your carton is measured in: centimetres, metres, millimetres or inches.
- Enter the outer length, width and height of one carton.
- Enter the number of cartons (a whole number from 1 to 1,000,000).
- Read the total CBM, the CBM per carton and the same volumes in cubic feet, with the working. Copy or print the result.
Method
CBM means cubic metres (m³), the volume unit freight forwarders use to price sea (LCL) freight and to plan cargo; for air and courier shipments the volume is converted to volumetric weight.
- CBM per carton = length × width × height, converted to cubic metres.
- Total CBM = CBM per carton × number of cartons.
- Cubic feet (ft³) = CBM × 35.3146667.
Unit conversions are exact: 1 cm = 0.01 m, 1 mm = 0.001 m and 1 inch = 0.0254 m, so one cubic centimetre is 0.000001 m³ and one cubic inch is 0.000016387064 m³.
The rule is exact first, round once. Every volume is calculated exactly and rounded to three decimal places only for display. The total is calculated from the exact volume of one carton, not from the rounded figure. For example, a 25 × 25 × 20 cm carton is 0.0125 m³, shown as 0.013, and 100 of them are 1.250 m³, not 1.300.
Worked example
100 cartons of 50 × 40 × 30 cm:
| Input | |
|---|---|
| Unit | cm |
| Length | 50 |
| Width | 40 |
| Height | 30 |
| Number of cartons | 100 |
| Result | |
| Total CBM (m³) | 6.000 |
| CBM per carton (m³) | 0.060 |
| Total cubic feet (ft³) | 211.888 |
| Cubic feet per carton (ft³) | 2.119 |
FAQ
What does CBM mean?
CBM stands for cubic metre (m³). One CBM is the volume of a box 1 m long, 1 m wide and 1 m high. Freight forwarders quote sea (LCL) shipments by CBM; for air and courier shipments they convert the volume to volumetric weight.
How do I convert CBM to cubic feet?
Multiply by 35.3146667. For example, 6 CBM is 6 × 35.3146667 = 211.888 cubic feet. The calculator shows both.
Why is the total not exactly the rounded CBM per carton × cartons?
The total uses the exact volume of one carton and is rounded only at the end. The per-carton figure you see is rounded to three decimal places, so multiplying that rounded figure can differ slightly. The exact total is the correct one.
How should I measure a carton?
Measure the outer dimensions of the packed carton, including any bulge, handles or pallet overhang, because carriers charge for the space the carton takes up.
Can I enter the dimensions in inches?
Yes. Choose inch as the unit. The calculator uses the international inch (exactly 25.4 mm) and still shows the result in cubic metres and cubic feet.
Is CBM the same as chargeable weight?
No. CBM is the volume only. Carriers also compare volume with actual weight to decide the chargeable weight, and apply their own minimums and rounding, so confirm the final figures with your forwarder.
References
- SI definition of the metre and the cubic metre (International System of Units).
- International yard and pound agreement (1959): 1 inch = 25.4 mm exactly.
- Cubic foot: 1 ft³ = 0.028316846592 m³, rounded here to 35.3146667 ft³ per m³.