Why use a CBM Calculator for Shipping?
Whether you are importing products via Alibaba, managing Amazon FBA shipments, or handling international freight, accurately calculating CBM is crucial. Freight forwarders use CBM to determine how much space your cargo takes up in a shipping container.
Additionally, airlines and courier services (like DHL, FedEx, UPS) use Volumetric Weight (also called Dimensional Weight) to charge for large but lightweight packages. If your package's volumetric weight is higher than its actual physical weight, you will be billed for the volumetric weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CBM Calculator?
A CBM (Cubic Meter) Calculator is an essential shipping and freight tool used to calculate the volume of a package. It determines how much space your cargo will occupy in an ocean shipping container or an airplane.
How do you calculate CBM?
To calculate CBM, you multiply the Length x Width x Height of your package in meters. If your measurements are in centimeters, multiply (L x W x H in cm) and divide by 1,000,000.
What is Volumetric Weight (Dimensional Weight)?
Freight carriers charge based on either the actual weight of the cargo or the volumetric weightβwhichever is greater. For standard air freight, the volumetric divisor equates to 1 CBM = 167 kg. This calculator automatically computes both for you.
How many CBM fit in a shipping container?
A standard 20ft container holds approximately 33 CBM. A 40ft container holds about 67 CBM, and a 40ft High Cube (HQ) holds around 76 CBM.