CBM Calculator

Calculate the Cubic Meter (CBM) volume of your ocean freight cartons for import & export.

Carton Dimensions

cm
cm
cm
Boxes
Front
Back
Side
Side
Top
Bottom

Volume per Carton

0.060 CBM

Total Gross Weight (Optional)

KG

Total Cargo Volume

0.600 CBM

Fit in 20ft Container

2.14% Full

Fit in 40ft Container

0.88% Full

Fit in 40ft HQ Container

0.78% Full

CBM Formulas & Freight Volume Explained

CBM Formula
CBM = (L × W × H in cm) ÷ 1,000,000 × Qty

Example: 10 cartons, each 50×40×30 cm → (50×40×30) ÷ 1,000,000 × 10 = 0.600 CBM

Volumetric Weight (Air)
Vol. Weight (kg) = L×W×H (cm) ÷ 5,000

Example: 60×50×40 cm carton → (60×50×40) ÷ 5,000 = 24 kg vol. weight. If actual weight is 10 kg, you are billed for 24 kg.

Inches to CBM
CBM = L×W×H (inches) ÷ 61,023.7

Example: 20"×16"×12" carton → (20×16×12) ÷ 61,023.7 = 0.0629 CBM per carton

1 CBM = 35.315 CFT  |  1 CFT = 0.0283 CBM  |  For sea freight: 1 CBM = 1 Freight Tonne (if cargo density < 1 MT/CBM)

Shipping Container Types — Capacity Guide

Container TypeUsable CBMMax WeightBest For
20ft Standard25–28 CBM28,000 kgHeavy, dense cargo
40ft Standard55–58 CBM28,800 kgGeneral cargo
40ft High Cube65–68 CBM28,560 kgBulky, lightweight cargo
20ft Reefer26–28 CBM27,400 kgTemperature-sensitive goods
20ft Open Top28–32 CBM28,000 kgOOG (Out of Gauge) cargo
LCL / Groupage1–15 CBMPer shipmentSmall export consignments

Usable CBM is 10–15% less than theoretical internal volume due to wall thickness, pallet gaps, and stacking limitations.

LCL vs FCL — When to Use Which

FeatureLCL (Shared)FCL (Full Container)
Cargo Size1–15 CBM15+ CBM
CostPer CBM rateFixed per container
HandlingMultiple times (CFS)Door-to-door
Damage RiskHigherLower
Transit Time+3–7 days (CFS)Faster
Break-EvenBelow ~15 CBMAbove ~15 CBM
Best ForSamples, small ordersFull production orders
Typical Sea Freight Rates (LCL — India Export)
DestinationRate per CBMMin. Charge
India → USA (West Coast)$35–551 CBM
India → UK / Europe$30–501 CBM
India → Middle East$20–351 CBM
India → Australia$40–601 CBM
India → SE Asia$18–301 CBM

Rates are indicative only — actual rates vary with fuel surcharges, port congestion, season, and freight forwarder. Always get 3 quotes.

Frequently Asked Questions

CBM (Cubic Meter) is the standard unit for measuring shipping volume. Calculated as Length × Width × Height (in meters). Freight forwarders use CBM to determine how much space your cargo occupies in a container or truck. 1 CBM = 1m × 1m × 1m = 35.315 CFT.

CBM = (Length cm × Width cm × Height cm) ÷ 1,000,000 × Qty. For example, 10 cartons each 50cm × 40cm × 30cm: (50×40×30) ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.060 CBM per box × 10 = 0.600 CBM total. For inches: (L×W×H) ÷ 61,023.7 = CBM.

Volumetric weight = (L cm × W cm × H cm) ÷ 5,000 for air freight (IATA standard). For sea/courier: some use ÷6,000. The freight carrier charges whichever is higher — actual gross weight or volumetric weight. A light but bulky carton (e.g., foam packaging) is almost always billed on volumetric weight.

Usable CBM capacity: 20ft Standard = 25–28 CBM (max load ~28,000 kg), 40ft Standard = 55–58 CBM (max ~28,800 kg), 40ft High Cube = 65–68 CBM (max ~28,560 kg). Actual usable space is 10–15% less than theoretical due to carton stacking inefficiency and pallet gaps.

CBM (Cubic Meters) is the international standard; CFT (Cubic Feet) is used in US/domestic transport. Conversion: 1 CBM = 35.315 CFT. Example: 5 CBM = 176.6 CFT. Always use CBM for international freight documents (B/L, commercial invoice, packing list).

LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo shares container space with other shippers. Use LCL when your cargo is under 15 CBM (roughly <15% of a 40ft container). FCL (Full Container Load) is typically cheaper per CBM for shipments above 15–20 CBM. LCL also has higher risk of damage due to multiple handling at the CFS (Container Freight Station).

Freight tonne = whichever is greater: actual weight (MT) or volumetric weight (CBM × density factor). For sea freight: 1 CBM = 1 freight tonne (if density <1MT/CBM). For air freight: volumetric weight (kg) = (L×W×H in cm) ÷ 5,000. Carriers use 'chargeable weight' = max(actual weight, volumetric weight).

CBM appears in: (1) Packing List — lists dimensions and CBM per carton/pallet, (2) Bill of Lading (B/L) — shows total CBM and gross weight, (3) Shipping Bill / Export Declaration — required for customs clearance, (4) Freight Invoice — CBM used to calculate LCL charges. Always ensure CBM in all documents matches to avoid customs queries.
Reviewed 9 September 2026 Use these quick actions with the result shown on this page.

Transparent calculation

Planning formula and assumptions

MethodCBM = length(m) × width(m) × height(m) × quantity
  1. Use consistent units for every input.
  2. The tool applies the displayed logistics formula.
  3. Add supplier, packing and operational tolerances before acting.

Important assumption: Actual lead times, packaging, losses and carrier rules can change the operational requirement.

Private by design, useful as an estimate

Most calculation and document entries are processed in this browser. HSN search terms are sent to BharatERP only to return matching references. This shared tool layer does not send entered values to analytics.

Avoid entering passwords, bank credentials or unnecessary identity data. Outputs are estimates or editable templates—not legal, tax, investment, lending or accounting advice.

CBM Freight Calculator result BharatERP MAXX

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