Free Online CBM Calculator

Calculate CBM &
Chargeable Weight
Instantly.

Enter cargo dimensions in any unit. Get total cubic metres, accurate volumetric weight for air & sea, density analysis, and container fit — in real time.

Total CBM

12.480

cubic metres

Gross Weight

3,240

kilograms

Vol. Wt (Air)

2,083

÷6000 · chargeable

Density

259.6

kg/m³ · Standard

Fits in 20ft GP container · 68% volume utilised

5 Unit Types

cm · mm · m · in · ft

IATA Standard

÷6000 or ÷5000 divisor

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.

Air Freight Volumetric Divisor

IATA standard for air cargo is ÷6000 (1 CBM = 166.67 kg). Couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) use ÷5000 (1 CBM = 200 kg). Always confirm with your carrier before booking.

Package Details

1 package type · 1 total pieces

Package 1

Pallet Presets — prefills L × W, you add height & weight

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 · ÷6000 · 1 CBM = 166.67 kg
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

Theoretical capacity only. Actual loading depends on cargo dimensions, stackability, palletisation, and carrier stowage rules. Verify with your freight forwarder.

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

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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. Use pallet presets for standard sizes.

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. Invalid dimensions show inline errors.

03

Analyse Results

Get total CBM, chargeable weight for air (÷6000 or ÷5000) and sea, cargo density classification, and 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 or volumetric weight. Knowing your density upfront lets you re-pack efficiently and negotiate rates.

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 supports both divisors: ÷6000 (standard air cargo, 166.67 kg/CBM) and ÷5000 (courier/express, 200 kg/CBM).

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 a divisor applied to the volume in cm³. The IATA standard for general air cargo is ÷6000 cm³/kg, meaning 1 CBM (1,000,000 cm³) = 166.67 kg. Express couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) use ÷5000, making 1 CBM = 200 kg. Airlines and couriers charge whichever is higher — the actual gross weight or the volumetric weight.

÷6000 is the IATA standard divisor for general air freight — 1 CBM equals 166.67 kg volumetrically. ÷5000 is used by express couriers such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS — 1 CBM equals 200 kg. Using the wrong divisor understates or overstates your chargeable weight, so always confirm which divisor your carrier applies before booking.

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).

Cargo density is the ratio of gross weight to volume, expressed in kg per cubic metre (kg/m³). It determines whether actual weight or volumetric weight governs your freight charge. Dense cargo (high kg/m³) is typically charged on actual weight; light, bulky cargo (low kg/m³) is charged on volumetric weight. Knowing your density helps you re-pack or choose the most cost-efficient freight mode.

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). Note that these are theoretical capacities — actual fill depends on cargo dimensions, stackability, and stowage. Always leave a 5–10% buffer and verify with your freight forwarder.

FCL (Full Container Load) means you book an entire container regardless of fill level. LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo is consolidated with other shippers and you pay only for the CBM and weight you use, priced per Revenue Ton. FCL is generally more cost-efficient above 12–15 CBM; LCL suits smaller shipments.