How to use the CBM calculator
- Choose the size and weight units.
- Enter one line per carton: length, width, height, quantity and weight each; you can paste from a spreadsheet.
- Read the total CBM, chargeable weights and containers needed; open the 3D load planner for a detailed plan.
CBM formula and common carton volumes
CBM (cubic metres) = length × width × height in metres × cartons. Divide centimetres by 100 first: a 60 × 40 × 40 cm carton is 0.6 × 0.4 × 0.4 = 0.096 m³. 1 m³ ≈ 35.31 cubic feet. Air volumetric weight = L × W × H (cm) ÷ 6000, express usually ÷ 5000; sea LCL charges per 1 m³ or 1 tonne, whichever is greater.
| Carton size | m³ | ft³ | Cartons per m³ | Air volumetric ÷6000 | Express volumetric ÷5000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 × 20 × 20 cm | 0.012 | 0.424 | 83 | 2 kg | 2.4 kg |
| 40 × 30 × 30 cm | 0.036 | 1.271 | 27 | 6 kg | 7.2 kg |
| 50 × 40 × 30 cm | 0.06 | 2.119 | 16 | 10 kg | 12 kg |
| 60 × 40 × 40 cm | 0.096 | 3.39 | 10 | 16 kg | 19.2 kg |
| 60 × 50 × 50 cm | 0.15 | 5.297 | 6 | 25 kg | 30 kg |
| 80 × 60 × 50 cm | 0.24 | 8.476 | 4 | 40 kg | 48 kg |
| 100 × 80 × 60 cm | 0.48 | 16.951 | 2 | 80 kg | 96 kg |
| 120 × 80 × 100 cm | 0.96 | 33.902 | 1 | 160 kg | 192 kg |
Volumetric and chargeable weight
| Transport mode | Conversion | Charging |
|---|---|---|
| Sea LCL | 1 m³ = 1,000 kg (W/M) | Charged on the greater of CBM and tonnes |
| Sea FCL | — | Charged per container, limited by inside size and payload |
| Air | 1 m³ = 166.67 kg (÷ 6000) | Chargeable weight = greater of actual and volumetric |
| Express courier | 1 m³ = 200 kg (÷ 5000) | DHL, FedEx and UPS mostly use ÷ 5000; check your contract |
Container capacity and practical CBM
Rated capacity is not loadable capacity: carton sizes rarely divide the inside dimensions, and door and handling clearance cost more. Mixed cartons usually use 80–90% of the rated volume. The practical figures are the rules of thumb forwarders quote; check a real load with the 3D load planner.
| Container | Rated volume | Rated volume (ft³) | Practical load | Max payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ft dry (20GP) | 33.1 m³ | 1,169 ft³ | 25–28 m³ | 28,330 kg |
| 40 ft dry (40GP) | 67.6 m³ | 2,387 ft³ | 55–58 m³ | 26,840 kg |
| 40 ft high cube (40HQ) | 76.2 m³ | 2,691 ft³ | 65–68 m³ | 28,800 kg |
| 45 ft high cube (45HQ) | 86 m³ | 3,037 ft³ | 75–78 m³ | 27,850 kg |
Volumes and payloads are ONE reference values; individual containers vary by line and builder.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate CBM?
CBM = length × width × height in metres × cartons. Divide centimetres by 100: a 60 × 40 × 40 cm carton is 0.096 m³, so 100 cartons are 9.6 m³.
How many kilograms is 1 CBM?
CBM is volume, not weight. For charging, sea LCL compares 1 m³ with 1,000 kg, air with 166.67 kg (÷6000) and express usually with 200 kg (÷5000), and the greater of actual and volumetric weight applies.
How many CBM fit in a 40 ft high cube?
A 40HQ is rated at about 76 m³, and mixed cartons usually load 65–68 m³. The real figure depends on how the cartons divide the inside dimensions; check with the container loading calculator.
Is my data uploaded?
No. All calculations and the 3D preview run in your browser; a share link only carries the sizes and quantities you entered.
Results use nominal sizes for quoting, booking and pre-loading estimates; the forwarder, carrier and loading team have the final say.