How do I calculate CBM?

CBM = Length (m) x Width (m) x Height (m). If your dimensions are in centimeters, divide each by 100 first, or divide the final result by 1,000,000. For example: 120cm x 80cm x 100cm = 1.2m x 0.8m x 1.0m = 0.96 CBM.

How many CBM fit in a 20ft container?

A standard 20-foot container has approximately 28-33 CBM of usable space, with a maximum payload of about 21,700 kg. A 40-foot container holds approximately 56-67 CBM, and a 40-foot HC (High Cube) holds about 60-76 CBM.

CBM Calculator — Cubic Meter Calculator for Shipping & Containers

CBM Calculator

Calculate cubic meters (CBM) for your cargo. Determine total volume and find how many cartons fit in standard shipping containers.

Single Carton CBM

Dimensions in

Length

Width

Height

How Many Cartons in a Container?

Carton Length

Carton Width

Carton Height

Number of Cartons

What is CBM?

CBM stands for Cubic Meter — the standard unit of volume in international shipping. It is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of a package in meters. Freight forwarders and shipping lines use CBM to determine the volume of your cargo and calculate shipping charges, especially for sea freight LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments.

CBM Formula

CBM = Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m)

If your dimensions are in centimeters, convert by dividing each by 100, or divide the final product by 1,000,000:

CBM = (Length cm × Width cm × Height cm) ÷ 1,000,000

CBM to KG Conversion

For air freight, 1 CBM approximately equals 167 kg (IATA standard). For sea freight, 1 CBM of water weighs 1000 kg. The actual weight-equivalent depends on the volumetric factor used by the carrier. Use our Volumetric Weight Calculator to compare actual vs dimensional weight.

Container Capacity

Standard shipping containers have these approximate internal dimensions and capacities:

20ft Container: 5.9m × 2.35m × 2.39m — approximately 28–33 CBM usable
40ft Container: 12.03m × 2.35m × 2.39m — approximately 56–67 CBM usable
40ft HC (High Cube): 12.03m × 2.35m × 2.69m — approximately 60–76 CBM usable

Our container calculator above factors in real usable dimensions (accounting for door frames and loading clearance) to give you the maximum number of cartons that fit.