CBM calculator
Add up the cubic metres (CBM) of a shipment from its carton or pallet dimensions, see the same volume in cubic feet and litres, and check roughly how much of a 20 ft or 40 ft container it would fill.
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Send us the shipment you just costed and we will come back with how it would move and how the numbers would be handled in Intelicargo. Your inputs are attached only when you send this form.
The formula, in plain terms.
- CBM = length × width × height (metres) × number of pieces
- From centimetres: length × width × height (cm) ÷ 1,000,000 per piece
- 1 m³ = 35.3147 ft³ = 1,000 litres
- Container fill % = total CBM ÷ container capacity (m³)
Ten cartons of 50 × 40 × 30 cm are 0.06 m³ each, so 0.6 m³ (21.19 ft³) in total. A 20 ft container holds roughly 33.2 m³, so this shipment fills about 1.8% of it by volume.
Assumptions and limits
- Container capacities are nominal internal volumes. Real loadable volume is lower because of pallet shapes, gaps and weight limits.
- Use the outermost dimensions of each piece, including packaging.
- This is a volume check, not a load plan. Weight limits and stacking rules still apply.
Common questions
What does CBM stand for?
CBM means cubic metre, the standard unit for the volume of ocean freight.
How do I calculate CBM for cartons?
Multiply length × width × height in metres for one carton, then multiply by the number of cartons. If your dimensions are in centimetres, divide the product by 1,000,000.
How many CBM fit in a 20 ft container?
A 20 ft container has about 33 m³ of nominal internal volume; a 40 ft container about 68 m³ and a 40 ft high-cube about 76 m³. Usable space is lower once you allow for packing.
What is the difference between CBM and volumetric weight?
CBM is the physical volume. Volumetric weight converts that volume to a weight-equivalent using a divisor, and carriers charge on whichever of actual or volumetric weight is greater.
Volumes flow into your quotes and manifests.
In Intelicargo, item dimensions entered once carry through to quotes, manifests and documents, so nobody re-keys a volume.