CBM Calculator
Calculate cubic meters for one carton or a mixed shipment. Add cargo rows, quantities and optional weights.
CBM calculation
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Calculate locally in your browser. Your shipment details are not saved.
How it works
CBM means cubic meter: a measure of space, not weight. Measure the outside of the finished shipping package, including bulges or protection that increases its bounding dimensions. Convert every dimension to meters before multiplying.
Use one row for each different package size. Quantity multiplies that row only; the calculator then adds all rows. This avoids treating unlike cartons as if they had the same dimensions. Unit weight is optional and represents each item in its row.
For palletized cargo, measure the complete loaded handling unit when that is what your forwarder will measure. Adding loose carton volumes does not include the pallet, overhang or empty space between cartons.
Formula
Total CBM = Σ[length (m) × width (m) × height (m) × quantity]
Inputs are normalized before calculation. Results are rounded for display.Worked example
A carton measuring 60 × 40 × 35 cm occupies 0.60 × 0.40 × 0.35 = 0.084 m³. For 48 identical cartons, total volume is 4.032 m³. At 12 kg each, actual cargo weight is 576 kg.
Limitations and assumptions
- Rectangular bounding dimensions can exceed the material volume of irregular cargo.
- Empty spaces, dunnage, securing clearance and equipment geometry are not added automatically.
- Any displayed weight total depends on the weights supplied; a missing weight is not a measured zero.
Read the calculation disclaimer before relying on an estimate for a shipment.
Frequently asked questions
Is CBM the same as cubic meters?
Yes. CBM is a common abbreviation for cubic meters, written m³. One cubic meter is a cube measuring one meter on every side.
Can I use inches or feet?
Yes. Choose the unit used for that row. Dimensions are converted to meters before the volume calculation, so metric and imperial rows can be combined.
Does 10 m³ of cartons always fit in a 10 m³ space?
No. Carton shape, orientation, the door opening and unusable gaps can prevent a physical fit. Use the container or carton fit tool for a simple geometric estimate.