CBM stands for Cubic Meter (the cubic meter). It is calculated by multiplying length × width × height. This unit of measurement is widely used by shipping and customs clearance companies.
When shipping products overseas using a container, the volume of the packaging (cartons) is calculated in cubic meters. Once you know the total volume of your cargo, you can choose the most suitable container for it. If the volume of your goods is small—meaning less than the capacity of the smallest container type—you will need to opt for LCL (Less Than Container Load) shipping. In LCL shipments, you are charged based on the volume of your goods in CBM. For example, a clearance company may charge USD 100 per CBM. By using a Cubic Meter Calculator, also known as a CBM Calculator, you can easily calculate the total shipping cost of your cargo.
How to Calculate CBM
With the growth of international trade, importers, exporters, and shipping and clearance companies constantly need to calculate CBM and understand how it is determined. For this reason, we have provided an easy and fast calculation method on our website.
First, select the appropriate unit of measurement, whether centimeters or inches. Then enter the length, width, and height of the carton. Finally, enter the quantity (number of cartons). The system will then calculate the total cubic meters (CBM) of your goods.
Based on the result, you will know whether your shipment requires a full container or whether partial shipping is sufficient. If the cargo volume is large, you may need a large container or even two smaller containers. Below are the most commonly used container sizes in maritime shipping.
Shipping Container Sizes
| Container Size | Capacity |
|---|---|
| 20 ft | 33 CBM |
| 40 ft | 67.3 CBM |
| 40 ft High Cube | 76 CBM |
| 45 ft High Cube | 85.7 CBM |
For example, when calculating the capacity of a 40-foot container in CBM, we refer to the table above and find that a standard 40-foot container has a capacity of 67.3 CBM. There are also taller containers known as High Cube containers, which have a greater height than standard containers. A 40-foot High Cube container can accommodate approximately 76 CBM, as shown in the table.
Practical Example
Here is a practical example of how to calculate CBM for shipping. To determine the required container size, we first calculate the total number of cartons and their combined volume in CBM.
Suppose you have 120 cartons, all of the same size. Each carton measures 50 cm in length, 100 cm in width, and 50 cm in height. You enter these carton dimensions into the calculator on this page, then input the quantity and click Calculate. The result will be 30 CBM.
By referring to the container capacity table, we see that a 20-foot container can hold 33 CBM. Therefore, all cartons can be shipped in a single 20-foot container, with 3 CBM of remaining space, which can be used to add more goods if desired.