CBM Calculator for Shipping Volume
This CBM calculator works out the cubic meter (CBM) volume of your cargo, then turns it into the volumetric weight and chargeable weight carriers actually bill you for. It is built for freight forwarders, online sellers, and anyone quoting a sea, air, or courier shipment from a box's length, width, and height.
Enter dimensions in cm, inch, m, or ft and weight in kg or lb — the tool converts everything for you. Add as many cargo items as you need and switch between the Air, Courier, and Sea divisors to see how each shipping method changes the billable weight.
How to Calculate CBM
Choose your units
Pick a dimension unit (cm, inch, m, or ft) and a weight unit (kg or lb). All conversions to cubic meters and kilograms happen automatically.
Enter package dimensions
Type the Length, Width, and Height of one carton, set the Qty of identical packages, and add the Weight per piece.
Pick the shipping method
Select the Volumetric Weight Divisor — Air (÷ 6,000), Courier (÷ 5,000), or Sea (÷ 1,000) — to match how your carrier prices the shipment.
Read the results
See the Total CBM, Volumetric Weight, Actual Weight, and the Chargeable Weight the carrier will use, all updating instantly as you type.
Working with multiple cartons
If your shipment mixes box sizes, click Add Item to add another row. Each item keeps its own dimensions, quantity, and weight, and the calculator sums them into one Total CBM, total pieces, and combined weights. The Item Breakdown shows each item's dimensions and individual CBM so you can check the totals line by line.
Features
CBM from L × W × H
Calculate cubic meters from each carton's length, width, and height, multiplied by the quantity you enter.
Multi-Unit Dimensions
Enter measurements in centimeters, inches, meters, or feet — the calculator converts them automatically.
Air, Courier & Sea Divisors
Switch between Air (÷ 6,000), Courier (÷ 5,000), and Sea (÷ 1,000) to see how volumetric weight changes per method.
Chargeable Weight Comparison
Instantly compare actual versus volumetric weight to see which figure the carrier bills you for.
Multiple Cargo Items
Add as many package types as you need, each with its own dimensions, quantity, and weight per unit.
kg / lb Weight Conversion
Enter weights in kilograms or pounds and read every result back in your chosen unit.
Per-Item Breakdown
View each item's dimensions and individual CBM contribution alongside the running total pieces.
Real-Time Results
Totals update the moment you type — no calculate button to press.
Cubic Meters & Cubic Feet
Total volume is shown in both m³ and ft³ for international compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CBM in shipping?
CBM stands for Cubic Meter, the standard unit for cargo volume in international shipping. It tells carriers how much space your goods occupy, which often matters more than weight for pricing sea, air, and LCL freight.
How do you calculate CBM?
Multiply the package dimensions in meters: CBM = Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m). For several identical cartons, multiply that result by the quantity. This calculator does it for you and adds up every item into one total.
How do I calculate CBM from cm, inches, or feet?
Just choose your dimension unit and type the numbers as-is. The calculator converts cm, inch, m, or ft to meters before computing CBM — for example, a box measured in centimeters is divided into cubic meters automatically (1 CBM = 1,000,000 cm³).
What divisor should I use for volumetric weight?
Air freight typically uses 6,000, couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS use 5,000, and sea freight uses 1,000. Pick the matching button in the tool. Some carriers apply slightly different values, so confirm with yours if you are unsure.
Why is my chargeable weight higher than the actual weight?
This happens with large but lightweight cargo, such as pillows, foam, or bulky packaging. Carriers bill the higher of actual and volumetric weight because light, bulky items still take up valuable space. The chargeable weight shown is whichever value is greater.
How do I calculate CBM for multiple cartons?
Click Add Item for each different box size. Give every row its own length, width, height, quantity, and weight. The calculator sums all items into one Total CBM, total pieces, and combined weights, with a per-item breakdown for checking.
Is 1 CBM equal to 1 cubic meter?
Yes. CBM is simply Cubic Meter: 1 CBM = 1 m³ = 1,000,000 cm³ ≈ 35.31 cubic feet. The calculator displays total volume in both m³ and ft³.
Can I use this for container loading?
This tool focuses on cargo volume and shipping weight rather than fitting boxes into a 20ft or 40ft container. For working out how many cartons fit inside a specific container, a dedicated container loading calculator is the better choice.
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