How this calculator works
Ocean and air freight quotations often require both the shipment's gross weight and volume. This calculator works with outside dimensions of uniform cartons and gives a clean total that can be copied into a freight inquiry.
What the calculation does
Multiply the outside dimensions of one carton in centimeters, convert cm³ to m³ by dividing by 1,000,000, then multiply by the number of cartons. Optional weight per carton gives total gross weight and density.
Important limitations
This does not include pallets, dunnage, gaps, non-stackable cargo or carrier freight-class rules. Add handling-unit dimensions separately when shipping palletized freight.
Common questions
Do I use carton internal or external measurements?
Always use outside dimensions for freight CBM calculations.
Does 1 CBM equal 1,000 liters?
Yes. One cubic meter is exactly 1,000 liters.
Is CBM the same as chargeable freight volume?
Not necessarily. Freight forwarders may apply volume-weight conversions, minimum charges and handling-unit rules.