# CBM Calculator (Shipping Volume)

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/other/cbm/
Last updated: 2026-10-25

> The CBM calculator works out the cubic metres of cartons for sea or air freight from their dimensions and quantity, plus chargeable weight and how many fit in a standard container.

## Inputs

- Carton length (cm, m, in)
- Carton width (cm, m, in)
- Carton height (cm, m, in)
- Number of cartons
- Gross weight per carton (kg, lb, g, oz, st)

## Results

- Total volume
- In cubic feet
- Total gross weight
- Air chargeable weight
- Share of a 20 ft container (28 m³)

## Formula

```
CBM = length × width × height (m) × cartons
Air volumetric weight = CBM × 167 kg
```

## Explanation

Freight is charged on volume or weight, whichever is greater. A 20 ft container holds about 33 m³ (28 m³ usable).

### How to use the CBM Calculator

- **Carton length**
- **Carton width**
- **Carton height**
- **Number of cartons**
- **Gross weight per carton**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Multiply carton dimensions in metres and the number of cartons; air freight uses a density of 167 kg per m³.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterCarton lengthUnits: cm, m, inCarton widthUnits: cm, m, inCarton heightUnits: cm, m, inNumber of cartonsA numberGross weight per cartonUnits: kg, lb, g, oz, st

### What each result means

- **Total volume** = [Carton length]×[Carton width]×[Carton height]×[Number of cartons]
- **In cubic feet** = [Total volume]×35.3147
- **Total gross weight** = [Gross weight per carton]×[Number of cartons]
- **Air chargeable weight** = max([Total volume]×167, [Total gross weight])
- **Share of a 20 ft container (28 m³)** = [Total volume]÷28×100

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Carton length** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Carton length (cm)Total volume (m³)302.4453.6604.8756907.21209.6

## Worked example

Inputs — Carton length: 60 cm; Carton width: 40 cm; Carton height: 40 cm; Number of cartons: 50; Gross weight per carton: 12 kg.

Results — **Total volume = 4.8 m³**; In cubic feet = 169.5 ft³; Total gross weight = 600 kg; Air chargeable weight = 801.6 kg; Share of a 20 ft container (28 m³) = 17.1 %.

## FAQ

**What is LCL?**
Less-than-container load, where you pay for the cubic metres your cargo occupies.

**How much fits in a 40 ft container?**
About 67 m³ in total, roughly 58 m³ usable.

**What formula does the CBM Calculator use?**
CBM = length × width × height (m) × cartons.