Free Online CBM Calculator

Calculate CBM &
Chargeable Weight
Instantly.

Enter your cargo dimensions in any unit. Get total cubic metres, volumetric weight for air & sea freight, and container fit analysis — in real time, with zero guesswork.

Total CBM

12.480

cubic metres

Gross Weight

3,240

kilograms

Vol. Wt (Air)

2,084

kg chargeable

Container

20ft GP

68% utilised

Fits in 20ft GP container · 68% volume utilised

5 Unit Types

cm · mm · m · in · ft

IATA Standard

Certified formula

3 Container Types

20ft · 40ft · 40HC

Real-time Results

Instant calculation

Live Calculator

Enter your cargo details below

Add one or more package types. All results update in real time.

Package Details

1 package type · 1 total pieces

Package 1

CBM / pc

0

Total CBM

0

Total Wt

0 kg

CBM = L(m) × W(m) × H(m) × Qty  ·  All units converted to metres automatically.

Volume Summary

Total Volume

0.000

CBM (cubic metres)

Gross weight

0 kg

1 pieces

Chargeable Weight Analysis

Air Freight · 1 CBM = 167 kg (IATA)
Gross wt.
0 kg
Vol. wt.
0 kg

✓ Gross weight governs — freight charged on actual weight.

Chargeable0 kg
Sea LCL · 1 RT = 1 CBM or 1,000 kg
Gross wt.
0 RT
Vol. wt.
0 RT

✓ Gross weight governs — freight charged on actual weight.

Chargeable0 RT

FCL Container Fit

20ft GP
✓ Fits
Volume0.000 / 25 CBM
Weight0 / 21,700 kg
40ft GP
✓ Fits
Volume0.000 / 60 CBM
Weight0 / 27,400 kg
40ft HC
✓ Fits
Volume0.000 / 72 CBM
Weight0 / 27,600 kg

Usable capacities shown. Actual fill depends on stackability, packing, and carrier rules.

Ready for a freight quote?

Share your CBM estimate with our team for an accurate sea or air freight quote with door-to-door options.

Get a Freight Quote

How It Works

Three steps to your CBM figure

01

Enter Dimensions

Type in your cargo length, width, and height. Switch between cm, mm, metres, inches, or feet — the calculator converts everything automatically.

02

Add All Package Types

Click 'Add Package' for each different SKU or box size. Mix units and quantities freely. Each row shows CBM per piece and totals instantly.

03

Analyse Results

Get total CBM, chargeable weight for air and sea, and a container fit analysis with utilisation bars for 20ft GP, 40ft GP, and 40ft HC.

Why Accuracy Matters

Built for importers who move real cargo

Every kilogram and every cubic centimetre counts in freight. Here's why professionals rely on precise CBM calculation.

Avoid Freight Overcharges

Carriers bill whichever is higher — actual weight or volumetric weight. Knowing this upfront lets you negotiate rates and re-pack efficiently.

Choose the Right Container

Booking a 40ft for cargo that fits in a 20ft wastes money. Our container fit bars show utilisation for all standard sizes at a glance.

Accurate Freight Quotes

LCL sea freight is priced per Revenue Ton (CBM or 1,000 kg). Submit precise CBM figures and avoid quote revisions at the last minute.

Multi-origin Consolidations

Consolidating from multiple suppliers? Add each vendor's cargo as a separate package type to get your total shipment volume instantly.

Any Unit, Any Origin

Suppliers in China quote cm. US warehouses quote inches. Our unit converter handles all five units without any manual maths on your end.

IATA-Standard Calculations

Air volumetric weight uses the IATA divisor of 6,000 cm³/kg (= 167 kg/CBM). Sea LCL uses the international Revenue Ton standard.

Common Questions

Everything about CBM & freight

CBM stands for Cubic Metre — the standard unit for measuring cargo volume in international freight. It is calculated as Length × Width × Height, with all dimensions in metres. Freight charges for sea LCL and air cargo are based on CBM (or weight, whichever yields the higher revenue for the carrier).

Air volumetric weight uses the IATA standard divisor of 6,000 cm³ per kilogram. In CBM terms: 1 CBM = 1,000,000 cm³ ÷ 6,000 = 166.67 kg. Airlines charge whichever is higher — the actual gross weight or the volumetric weight. Light, bulky cargo almost always attracts volumetric charges.

A Revenue Ton is the billing unit for sea LCL shipments. One RT equals either 1 CBM (by volume) or 1,000 kg (by weight), whichever is greater. Shipping lines charge per RT, so if your cargo is 5 CBM and 3,000 kg, you pay for 5 RT (volume governs).

For cargo up to approximately 25 CBM or 21,700 kg: a 20ft GP container. Up to 60 CBM or 27,400 kg: a 40ft GP. Up to 72 CBM or 27,600 kg: a 40ft HC (High Cube). If your cargo exceeds all three, you need LCL or multiple containers. Always leave 5–10% buffer for dunnage and blocking.

FCL (Full Container Load) means you book an entire container — typically 20ft or 40ft — regardless of how full it is. LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo is consolidated with other shippers' goods and you pay only for the CBM and weight you use. FCL is more cost-efficient above roughly 12–15 CBM; LCL suits smaller shipments.

Carriers may apply a minimum charge, a higher-than-standard volumetric divisor, or surcharges (fuel, port congestion, hazmat). Additionally, the shipping line will measure your actual cargo at origin — if dimensions differ from what you declared, rates adjust accordingly. Always verify with your freight forwarder before booking.