Free Shipping CBM Calculator
Calculate Volume, Weight & Container Capacity
• 0 x 20ft Container (approx)
• 0 x 40ft Container (approx)
How to Use This CBM Calculator for Shipping
Shipping costs are one of the biggest expenses for importers, exporters, and Amazon FBA sellers. Whether you are shipping from China to the USA, Pakistan, or Europe, knowing the exact volume of your cargo is essential to avoid overpaying freight forwarders.
This free Cubic Meter (CBM) Calculator helps you instantly calculate the volume, volumetric weight, and container loading quantity of your shipment.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Select Unit: Choose the unit you used to measure your boxes (cm, m, inches, or feet).
- Enter Quantity: Input the total number of cartons or boxes in your shipment.
- Input Dimensions: Enter the Length, Width, and Height of a single carton.
- Click Calculate: The tool will instantly show you the total CBM, Cubic Feet, and how much space it will occupy in a standard container.
What is CBM and Why Does It Matter?
CBM stands for Cubic Meter. It is the standard unit of volume used in international freight shipping.
Freight forwarders charge you based on how much space your cargo takes up (CBM) or how heavy it is (Gross Weight).
- Sea Freight (LCL): You are usually charged by CBM. If your goods are light but bulky, the CBM price applies.
- Air Freight: You are charged by “Volumetric Weight” (explained below).
The CBM Formula
The basic formula to calculate CBM for a single box is:
Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m) = CBM (m³)
If you have measurements in centimeters (cm), the formula is:
(Length × Width × Height) ÷ 1,000,000 = CBM
Understanding Volumetric Weight (Air Freight)
If you are shipping via Air Freight (DHL, FedEx, UPS) or standard air cargo, the weight calculation is different. Airlines use a “Volumetric Divisor” because a plane has limited space.
Even if your box weighs only 5kg, if it is very large, the airline might charge you for 20kg. This is called Dimensional Weight or Volumetric Weight.
The Air Freight Formula:
(Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 5000 = Volumetric Weight (kg)
Note: Some couriers use 6000 as the divisor, but 5000 is the industry standard for general air cargo.
Our tool automatically calculates this for you. If the Volumetric Weight is higher than the Actual Weight, the shipping company will charge you based on the Volumetric Weight.
Container Capacity Guide: How Much Fits?
One of the most common questions Amazon sellers ask is: “How many cartons fit in a 20ft container?”
While containers have a theoretical capacity, you cannot fill them 100% due to gaps between boxes and pallet limitations. Here is the safe usable capacity guide used by logistics pros:
1. 20ft Standard Container
- Total Capacity: ~33 CBM
- Usable Space: 25 to 28 CBM
- Best for: Heavy goods like machinery, metals, or small FBA start-up orders.
2. 40ft Standard Container
- Total Capacity: ~67 CBM
- Usable Space: 54 to 58 CBM
- Best for: Large shipments of general merchandise.
3. 40ft High Cube (HQ) Container
- Total Capacity: ~76 CBM
- Usable Space: 63 to 68 CBM
- Best for: Light, bulky items (e.g., furniture, textiles, clothing).
Why Amazon FBA Sellers Need This Tool
If you are an Amazon FBA Private Label seller, calculating CBM is critical for two reasons:
- Shipping Plans: When creating a shipping plan in Amazon Seller Central, you must provide accurate box dimensions. Incorrect data can lead to penalties or rejection at the fulfillment center.
- Profit Margins: Sourcing products from Alibaba requires knowing the “Landed Cost.” If you underestimate the CBM, your shipping cost per unit will be higher than expected, wiping out your profit margin.
Use this tool to verify the quotes given to you by your suppliers or freight forwarders. Never rely solely on the supplier’s estimate—always calculate it yourself to ensure you aren’t being overcharged for space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I convert CBM to Cubic Feet? To convert Cubic Meters to Cubic Feet, multiply the CBM value by 35.315. Our tool displays both values automatically.
Does this calculator work for Pallets? Yes. Simply enter the dimensions of the pallet (instead of the carton) and the total number of pallets to get the total shipment volume.