CBM Calculation Guide: How to Measure Shipping Volume
Master the math of cubic meters and cubic feet for sea and land freight.
CBM stands for Cubic Meter. It is the standard unit of measurement for freight volume in international shipping. Whether you are shipping LCL (Less than Container Load) or a full truckload, knowing how to calculate CBM correctly is essential for getting accurate freight quotes and optimizing your cargo space.
The Simple Formula
To calculate the CBM of a box, you multiply the length, width, and height in meters. For example, a box that is 1m x 1m x 1.5m has a volume of 1.5 CBM. If your measurements are in centimeters, multiply them (L x W x H) and divide by 1,000,000 to get the cubic meters.
CBM vs. Weight
In sea freight, 1 CBM is typically equivalent to 1,000kg (1 ton). If your cargo is light but bulky, you will be charged based on CBM. If your cargo is small but very heavy (like metal ingots), you will be charged based on weight. This is the 'Volume vs. Weight' rule that all shippers must understand.
Mixed Shipments
When shipping multiple different box sizes, calculate the CBM for each type, multiply by the quantity, and sum the results. Our CBM calculator allows you to add multiple rows to handle complex packing lists instantly, providing both CBM and CFT (Cubic Feet) totals.
FAQ
How many CBM is in a 20ft container?
A standard 20ft container has an internal volume of approximately 33 CBM, but the usable space for cargo is usually around 28-30 CBM depending on the box sizes.
What is CFT and when is it used?
CFT stands for Cubic Feet. It is primarily used in North American domestic logistics and for shipments originating from or destined for the USA.