CBM Calculator: How It Works & Full Guide | Tradloc
Everything behind the CBM Calculator: how to use it step by step, what the numbers mean, worked examples and the background reference importers ask about most. The tool itself stays one click away.
What the CBM Calculator does
Enter carton length, width, height and quantity to calculate total shipment volume in cubic metres, plus a recommended container size.
- Accurate volume for freight quotations
- Container recommendation instantly
- Avoid paying for wasted space
How to Use This CBM Calculator
Convert carton dimensions and quantity into total cubic metres (CBM) and see which container size fits the shipment.
- 1Measure one carton in centimetres
Measure the outer length, width and height of a single packed carton — outer dimensions, not the product inside. Round up to the nearest centimetre.
- 2Enter the carton quantity
Add the total number of identical cartons. For mixed cartons, run the calculator once per carton type and add the results together.
- 3Read total CBM
CBM per carton is length × width × height ÷ 1,000,000. Total CBM is that figure multiplied by quantity — this is the volume every forwarder will quote against.
- 4Check the container recommendation
A 20ft holds roughly 28 CBM of practical stow, a 40ft roughly 56 CBM and a 40HC roughly 68 CBM. Below about 15 CBM, LCL is normally cheaper than a full container.
Convert box dimensions and quantity into cubic metres.
Maximum cartons per container and utilization percentage.
Boxes per pallet and pallets per container.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I enter cm or m?
- Centimetres. The calculator converts to CBM automatically.
- How do you calculate CBM for shipping?
- CBM per carton is length × width × height in centimetres divided by 1,000,000. Multiply by the number of cartons for total shipment volume. Always use outer carton dimensions, not the product size, and round each dimension up to the nearest centimetre.
- How many CBM fit in a 20ft or 40ft container?
- Practical stow is roughly 28 CBM in a 20ft, 56 CBM in a 40ft and 68 CBM in a 40ft high cube. Nominal internal volume is higher, but pallet footprints and stacking limits mean you rarely use all of it. Below about 15 CBM, LCL is normally cheaper than a full container.
- Is dimensional weight included?
- Use the Freight Cost Estimator for chargeable weight vs volume comparison.