CBM (cubic metre) is the standard unit used to measure cargo volume in international shipping. Freight rates for LCL, and the number of containers you need for FCL, depend on it.
The formula
CBM = Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m) × Number of cartons
If your measurements are in centimetres, divide the result by 1,000,000.
Example
You have 120 cartons, each 50 cm × 40 cm × 30 cm.
- 0.50 × 0.40 × 0.30 = 0.06 CBM per carton
- 0.06 × 120 = 7.2 CBM in total
Tips
- Always measure the outer carton, not the product.
- Round up: carriers measure the largest dimensions.
- Remember pallets add height and volume.
Skip the maths with our free CBM calculator.
