CBM & Cubic Feet Calculator
Calculate total CBM ($m^3$) and Cubic Feet ($ft^3$) for multi-carton shipments, estimate ocean LCL freight charges, and check container fit.
Package Itemization Breakdown
| Package | Qty | CBM / Unit | Total CBM | Total CFT | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carton Type A (Master Boxes) | 50 | 0.06 | 3 | 105.94 | 700 |
| Carton Type B (Small Cases) | 100 | 0.015 | 1.5 | 52.97 | 600 |
Container Space Fill
How much volume your shipment occupies in standard sea containers:
Volumetric Weight Equivalencies
How to Calculate CBM and Cubic Feet for Shipping
CBM stands for Cubic Meter ($m^3$) — the international metric unit of volumetric measurement used in sea freight (LCL and FCL) and air cargo:
Example: 50 cartons measuring 50 × 40 × 30 cm = 60,000 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.06 CBM each × 50 = 3.0 CBM.
Conversion: 1 CBM = 35.3147 Cubic Feet (ft³). Multiply your total CBM by 35.3147 to get CFT instantly.
CBM & Freight Volume Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ocean Freight W/M Rule (Weight or Measure)?
In ocean LCL shipping, freight forwarders charge based on whichever is higher between total volume (CBM) and total weight in Metric Tons (1,000 kg). 1 CBM is considered equivalent to 1 Metric Ton. If 2 CBM of cargo weighs 2,500 kg (2.5 MT), you are billed for 2.5 Revenue Tons (RT).
How many CBM fit into a 20ft and 40ft container?
A standard 20ft ocean container has a total volume of 33.2 CBM (practically loading 26–28 CBM due to empty spaces between boxes). A 40ft Standard container holds 67.7 CBM (usable ~56–58 CBM), and a 40ft High Cube holds 76.3 CBM (usable ~66–68 CBM).
What is the difference between CBM and Volumetric Weight for air freight?
CBM measures physical volume in cubic meters. Air freight carriers convert CBM into chargeable kilograms using the IATA standard volumetric ratio of 1 CBM = 167 kg (or Length × Width × Height in cm ÷ 6,000). If your actual weight is less than the volumetric weight, you pay for the volumetric weight.
International Volume & Weight Compliance
Ocean container loading and cubic measurements adhere to international safety conventions codified by the International Maritime Organization (IMO SOLAS VGM) . For air cargo shipments, volumetric ratio formulas follow Resolution 600 standards governed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) .