CBM means cubic metres: the space described by a package’s outside length, width and height. Measure the finished carton, pallet or crate, then enter those measurements in the calculator above.
Each line represents identical outer packages. You can add up to three package types and enter dimensions in centimetres, metres, millimetres, inches or feet. Gross weight is optional and can be entered in kilograms or pounds.
Use the three dimension sliders for quick adjustments, or type the measured length, width and height directly for finer control. Complete the dimensions and quantity on every active line, or remove an unused line, before the total is available. Copy formatted summary keeps the measurements together with headings and clear totals for your enquiry. Use Export report to download a PDF, JPEG, PNG or editable Markdown file.
Calculate one package, then the shipment
Multiply length, width and height in metres to find one package’s volume. Multiply that result by the number of identical packages to find the line total.
01 · One package
Package volume m3
02 · Identical packages
Line volume m3
Keep all three dimensions in the same unit. For metric measurements, multiply them and divide the product by the matching number below. These divisors give the volume of one package; apply the quantity afterwards.
- Metres m × m × m
- Divide by1
- Centimetres cm × cm × cm
- Divide by1,000,000
- Millimetres mm × mm × mm
- Divide by1,000,000,000
For imperial measurements, convert each length before multiplying: 1 in = 0.0254 m and 1 ft = 0.3048 m. A cubic foot is 1 ft³ = 0.028316846592 m³. The calculator keeps m³ (CBM) as the main result and shows ft³ for comparison.
The calculator handles these conversions for you. Switching dimension units converts the existing measurements while keeping the same physical size.
A shipment of 80 cartons
Each carton measures 60 × 40 × 35 cm on the outside. Convert to metres, calculate one carton, then multiply by the carton count:
One carton
0.60 × 0.40 × 0.35= 0.084 m3
80 identical cartons
0.084 × 80= 6.720 m3
If each carton weighs 5 kg, the total gross weight is 400 kg. That weight stays separate from the 6.720 m³ volume.
Different package sizes
Add each package type on a separate line. Suppose the same shipment also includes 10 cartons measuring 50 × 40 × 30 cm. Each additional carton is 0.060 m³, so that line adds 0.600 m³. Add the two line totals once: 6.720 + 0.600 = 7.320 m³, across 90 packages. Do not average the dimensions of different cartons.
Measure the package you will actually ship
- Use the final outside dimensions. Measure after packing, including protrusions and protective materials. Dimensions of the product alone can miss the space taken by its packaging.
- Count the outer handling unit once. For a loaded pallet, include the pallet base and all packaging in its measured length, width and height. If that pallet is one counted unit, do not add the cartons inside it again.
- For irregular shapes, use the overall rectangular dimensions. Measure the greatest outside length, width and height. Keep photos of unusual shapes or overhangs so the measurements can be understood.
The diagram illustrates one selected package. It fits automatically within the view and adjusts extreme proportions for readability. Use its dimension labels; it is not a loading plan or a container-fit calculation.
Volume and weight answer different questions
CBM describes volume; kilograms or pounds describe weight. Neither measurement can replace the other. Enter the actual gross weight when known, including packaging, or leave the optional field empty. The tool does not calculate chargeable weight or apply a default conversion factor.
For the next stage, see the guides to shipment documents, LCL shipping and warehouse receiving.
