CBM Calculator
Calculate the cubic meters (CBM) of a carton and a full shipment from its dimensions and quantity. Runs in your browser.
Enter dimensions in centimeters. CBM is a measure of volume; carriers may still bill on volumetric weight, which the shipping cost calculator can estimate.
A free CBM calculator that works out the volume of a carton and a whole shipment in cubic meters. Enter the length, width, and height of one carton in centimeters, and the number of cartons, and the tool returns the CBM per carton and the total CBM. CBM (cubic meters) is the standard way freight forwarders measure how much space a shipment takes, so it is essential for quoting sea freight and comparing box sizes. Everything runs in your browser, and nothing you type is stored.
How to use this tool
- 01Enter the carton dimensionsType the length, width, and height of one carton in centimeters.
- 02Enter the quantityType how many identical cartons are in the shipment.
- 03Read the CBMThe total CBM, the CBM per carton, and the total volume in liters update as you type.
When is this useful?
- Quote sea freightSea freight is priced largely by CBM, so this gives the number a forwarder needs.
- Compare box sizesSee how a smaller carton changes the total volume of an order.
- Plan container loadingEstimate how much of a container a shipment will fill by its CBM.
Examples
- A one-meter cubeA carton 100 x 100 x 100 cm is exactly 1 CBM.
- A standard cartonA 50 x 40 x 30 cm carton is 0.06 CBM; 10 of them make 0.6 CBM.
- Scaling upDoubling the quantity doubles the total CBM, since each carton is identical.
Formula or how the tool works
Volume in cubic meters is length x width x height, converted from centimeters. Since 1 cubic meter is 1,000,000 cubic centimeters, CBM per carton = (L x W x H) / 1,000,000, and total CBM = CBM per carton x quantity.
Inputs, outputs, and assumptions
You enter three dimensions in centimeters and a quantity. The tool returns the total CBM, the CBM per carton, and the total volume in liters. It assumes every carton is identical and uses the outer dimensions you enter.
Supported modes or scenarios
Use it for a single carton (quantity 1) or a full shipment. For mixed carton sizes, calculate each size separately and add the CBM values.
Limitations and common mistakes
A common mistake is entering dimensions in inches or millimeters instead of centimeters, which throws the result off by a large factor. CBM measures volume only; it does not account for how boxes pack together or for volumetric weight, which carriers may bill instead.
Privacy and local processing
The calculation runs in your browser on your device. Your dimensions are never uploaded, stored, or shared, and closing the tab clears everything.
Frequently asked questions
What is CBM?
CBM stands for cubic meters, the volume a shipment occupies. Sea freight is largely priced by CBM.
What units should I use?
Enter dimensions in centimeters. The tool converts to cubic meters for you.
Does CBM include weight?
No. CBM is volume only. Carriers may charge on volumetric weight, which the shipping cost calculator can estimate.
How do I handle different box sizes?
Calculate the CBM of each box size separately and add the totals.
Is my data saved?
No. Everything runs in your browser and nothing you enter is stored.
Related tools
- Pallet CalculatorEstimate how many cartons fit on a pallet and how many pallets a shipment needs, from box and pallet sizes. Runs in your browser.Open
- Shipping Cost CalculatorEstimate a shipment cost from the chargeable weight and your own rate per kg. No carrier lookup, just your assumptions. Runs in your browser.Open
- Volumetric Weight CalculatorCalculate a parcel’s volumetric weight from length × width × height ÷ a divisor (5000 or 6000 cm³/kg), with metric or imperial units. Runs in your browser.Open
- Chargeable Weight CalculatorFind the chargeable (billable) weight (the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight) with metric or imperial units. Runs in your browser.Open