CBM & freight volume calculator
Turn every carton into
one freight-ready total.
Calculate CBM across multiple carton types, then see total pieces, gross weight, density, and every step behind the result.
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Direct answer
How to calculate CBM
÷ 1,000,000
Calculate each carton type separately, then add the row totals. For inches, CargoCube first uses the exact 2.54 cm per inch conversion.
Worked example
10 cartons · 40 × 30 × 50 cm
One carton is 0.06 m³. Ten cartons occupy 0.60 m³, equal to 21.19 ft³. At 8 kg each, density is 133.3 kg/m³.
- 01
Measure the outer carton
Record the longest external length, width, and height. Use one row for each carton size.
- 02
Convert each row to cubic meters
For centimeters: length × width × height ÷ 1,000,000. Then multiply by carton quantity.
- 03
Add the shipment totals
CargoCube multiplies each per-carton gross weight by quantity, then adds every row. If all weights are present, it also calculates shipment density.
Sources & limitations
The units behind the answer
CargoCube calculates geometric volume. It does not quote freight, choose a container, apply chargeable-weight rules, or account for unusable loading space.
Plain-language reference
Frequently asked questions
What does CBM mean in freight?
CBM means cubic meter. Freight forwarders use it to express how much three-dimensional space a shipment occupies.
How do I calculate CBM in centimeters?
Multiply length × width × height in centimeters, divide by 1,000,000, then multiply by the number of identical cartons.
Is CBM the same as volumetric weight?
No. CBM is physical volume. Volumetric weight applies a carrier divisor to volume. Use ParcelMath when you need parcel billable weight.
Should I include pallet dimensions?
Yes, when the goods will ship on a pallet. Enter the final outer dimensions and total gross weight of each palletized unit.