CBM Calculator
Enter a package's length, width, and height in centimeters along with the quantity to find its total cubic meter volume.
Dimensions should be entered in centimeters for a result in cubic meters (CBM).
How CBM is calculated for shipping
CBM (cubic meters) is found by multiplying a package's length, width, and height together, then dividing by 1,000,000 to convert from cubic centimeters to cubic meters. Multiplying by the quantity of identical packages gives the total shipment volume.
Freight carriers use CBM to calculate volumetric (dimensional) weight, which matters for bulky-but-light shipments — carriers typically charge based on whichever is greater, the actual weight or the volumetric weight, so CBM directly affects shipping cost for low-density cargo.
Frequently asked questions
Why does CBM matter for shipping cost?
Freight space is limited by volume as much as by weight. Carriers calculate a volumetric weight from CBM and charge based on whichever is higher — actual weight or volumetric weight — so a large, light package can cost more to ship than its actual weight would suggest.
Can I use inches or feet instead of centimeters?
This calculator expects centimeters for the CBM (cubic meter) output. Convert inch or foot measurements to centimeters first (1 inch = 2.54 cm) for an accurate cubic meter result.
What's a typical CBM-to-weight conversion used by carriers?
A common freight industry rule of thumb is 1 CBM = 167 kg (or sometimes 333 kg for air freight) for volumetric weight purposes, though the exact factor varies by carrier and shipping mode — always check your specific carrier's rate.