📦 CBM Calculator
Calculate the total cubic meter (CBM) volume of your shipment from box dimensions and quantity, for freight quoting and container planning.
What CBM means
CBM stands for cubic meters, and it is the standard unit used in shipping and logistics to measure the volume a shipment takes up. Freight companies use CBM alongside actual weight to decide how to price and load a shipment, since a large lightweight box can take up more space than it weighs.
The formula
CBM per box is calculated by multiplying length by width by height (in centimeters) and dividing by 1,000,000 to convert cubic centimeters to cubic meters. Multiplying by the number of boxes gives total shipment volume. Volumetric weight, used by carriers to charge for space rather than actual mass, is calculated by dividing the same length x width x height figure by a carrier-specific divisor (commonly 5000 for air freight or 6000 for standard courier and sea freight).
Carriers typically charge based on whichever is greater: actual weight or volumetric weight. Always confirm the exact divisor and rounding rules with your specific carrier before finalizing shipping costs.