What is CBM in Shipping?
CBM stands for Cubic Meter. It is the most common metric used in domestic and international freight—especially LCL (Less than Container Load) ocean freight, air cargo, and trucking—to calculate shipping costs based on the volume of your cargo.
Freight forwarders charge based on whichever is greater: the actual physical weight of your shipment or its volume (CBM). This is known as calculating the "chargeable weight."
The CBM Calculation Formula
Depending on the unit of measurement you use for your cartons, the formula changes slightly:
- If measuring in Meters: Length × Width × Height = CBM
- If measuring in Centimeters (cm): (Length × Width × Height) / 1,000,000 = CBM
- If measuring in Inches (in): (Length × Width × Height) / 61,023.7 = CBM
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert CBM to Cubic Feet (CFT)?
While most of the world operates on CBM, the US logistics market often quotes in Cubic Feet (CFT or CBF). The conversion rate is fixed: 1 CBM is exactly equal to 35.3147 Cubic Feet. Our calculator automatically provides both outputs to save you time.
How many CBM fit in a 20ft or 40ft container?
If you are shipping FCL (Full Container Load) via sea freight, here are the approximate maximum cargo volumes:
- 20' Standard Container: Approx. 26 to 28 CBM
- 40' Standard Container: Approx. 55 to 58 CBM
- 40' High Cube (HC): Approx. 65 to 68 CBM