CBM calculator
Free · No signup · Updated November 2026 by the DrapifyApp team
How do I calculate CBM for a shipment?
CBM (cubic metres) = length × width × height in metres × number of cartons. A 60 × 40 × 40 cm carton is 0.096 CBM, so ten cartons are 0.96 CBM. The calculator also shows total weight, the air-freight volumetric weight (CBM × 1,000,000 ÷ 6,000) and roughly how much of a 20 ft or 40 ft container the shipment fills.
- CBM per carton
- 0.0960
- Total CBM
- 0.960
- Total weight
- 120 kg
- Air volumetric (÷6000)
- 160 kg
| 20 ft container · ~33.2 CBM | 2.9% full |
| 40 ft container · ~67.7 CBM | 1.4% full |
| 40 ft high cube · ~76.4 CBM | 1.3% full |
Real loads fit less than the full internal volume because of packing gaps. Ask your forwarder for usable CBM.
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How to use it
- Enter one carton’s length, width and height and pick the unit.
- Enter the number of cartons and weight per carton.
- Read CBM per carton and in total.
- Check air volumetric weight and container fill.
Sea or air
Sea freight is usually charged by CBM or weight, whichever is higher on the forwarder’s scale. Air freight uses volumetric weight with a 6,000 divisor, so light, bulky goods like clothing often pay for volume.
Container capacity
A 20 ft container holds about 33 CBM internally and a 40 ft about 67 CBM, but carton shapes and gaps mean real loads fit less. Your forwarder can tell you usable CBM.
Questions
- How do I calculate CBM in cm?
- Multiply length × width × height in cm and divide by 1,000,000.
- How do I calculate CBM in inches?
- Multiply the three sides in inches and divide by 61,024, or let the calculator convert.
- How many CBM fit in a 20 ft container?
- About 33 CBM internally; plan for less once packed.