The calculation, without hidden assumptions
Turn final packed carton dimensions into cubic metres without doing unit conversion by hand. The result keeps per-carton and shipment volume separate, shows cubic feet and litres, and can compare entered gross mass with volume for freight-planning checks.
How to use this calculator
Measure the final external packed length, width and height at the widest points.
Choose the dimension unit used on the packing list; the calculator normalizes each dimension to metres.
Enter the number of identical cartons. Optionally enter gross kg per carton and a quoted volume-only rate.
Use total CBM for space planning, then verify your forwarder’s actual rounding, minimum charge, weight/measure and equipment rules before booking.
Where people use it
- •Calculate total CBM for an export packing list or freight quote.
- •Convert supplier carton dimensions in inches, feet, millimetres or centimetres into cubic metres.
- •Compare shipment cubic metres with entered gross metric tonnes for a transparent planning W/M check.
- •Move from carton volume into dimensional-weight or pallet-load planning without re-learning the dimensions.
100 cartons at 60 × 40 × 30 cm
One carton is 0.60 × 0.40 × 0.30 = 0.072 m³. For 100 identical cartons, shipment volume is 7.2 CBM, about 254.27 ft³ or 7,200 litres.
What the result does not assume
- •CBM is geometric occupied volume, not a freight quote. Forwarders may apply minimums, rounding, density, weight/measure, equipment, stowage and contract-specific rules.
- •Use finished external package dimensions. Product dimensions or unfinished cartons can understate booked space.
- •The optional W/M output is a transparent planning comparison only; confirm the exact revenue-tonne convention with the applicable forwarder or tariff.
- •Container nominal/internal volume does not equal guaranteed usable carton capacity because door dimensions, weight distribution, voids and stowage patterns matter.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate CBM for a carton?+
Convert length, width and height to metres, then multiply them. A 60 × 40 × 30 cm carton is 0.60 × 0.40 × 0.30 = 0.072 m³.
How do I calculate CBM for multiple cartons?+
Multiply the per-carton cubic metres by the number of identical cartons. For mixed sizes, calculate each carton type separately and add the row totals.
Can I enter inches or feet?+
Yes. The calculator converts mm, cm, m, inches or feet to metres before calculating the same physical volume.
Is CBM the same as dimensional weight?+
No. CBM measures physical volume. Dimensional weight converts volume to a weight-equivalent using a carrier/service divisor.
Should I use product or carton dimensions?+
Use the final external packed carton, crate or loaded-pallet dimensions for shipping-space planning.
Does CBM tell me exactly how many cartons fit in a container?+
No. Volume-only division ignores orientation, door clearance, weight, voids and stowage. Use a dedicated loading/pallet planner for physical fit.
Semantic next steps
Continue the calculation
These links move to a different input, formula or project stage rather than a keyword variation of this page.
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