CBM Calculator & Guide
In the world of logistics, understanding how to calculate the CBM (Cubic Metres) and volumetric weight is key to determining the cost of transporting your goods.
Our volume and weight calculator is designed to make this process as simple as possible! Here’s a detailed explanation of what these terms mean (and how to use the calculator effectively).
Our volume and weight calculator is designed to make this process as simple as possible! Here’s a detailed explanation of what these terms mean (and how to use the calculator effectively).
How to calculate CBM
CBM, or Cubic Metres, is a unit used to measure the volume of a package. The formula for calculating CBM is straightforward:
This formula works when you measure the dimensions of your package in centimetres (cm). If your dimensions are in inches, convert them to centimetres first by multiplying the inches by 2.54. For example:
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How to use our calculator
Our Volume & Weight Calculator helps you quickly calculate the total volume (in CBM) and the total weight of your shipment based on the provided dimensions and weight. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
The calculator also provides shipping advice based on the size of your shipment, including whether it’s best suited for sea freight or air freight.
- Enter the length, width, and height of your package.
- Choose the unit of measurement for the dimensions: centimetres (cm) or inches (in).
- Input the weight of your package and select the unit: kilograms (kg) or pounds (lbs).
- If you have multiple packages of the same size and weight, enter the quantity.
- Select the volumetric weight divisor (more on that below).
- Click "Calculate" to get results for total volume, total weight, and volumetric weight.
The calculator also provides shipping advice based on the size of your shipment, including whether it’s best suited for sea freight or air freight.
What is CBM?
CBM, or cubic metres, represents the total volume of cargo.
The metric unit helps shipping companies determine the amount of space required in containers or on a pallet. Calculating CBM is important for determining how much space your goods will take up and the associated cost of shipping.
The metric unit helps shipping companies determine the amount of space required in containers or on a pallet. Calculating CBM is important for determining how much space your goods will take up and the associated cost of shipping.
What is the Volumetric Weight Divisor?
The volumetric weight divisor is a number used by shipping companies to calculate a package's volumetric (or dimensional) weight.
Volumetric weight represents the amount of space a package occupies, rather than its actual weight. It is often used for lightweight but bulky items where the physical space taken up is a more significant cost factor than the actual weight.
Shipping companies use different divisors depending on the service and mode of transport (such as air, sea or road), but the most common divisors are 4,000, 5,000 and 6,000. The formula for calculating volumetric weight is as follows:
Volumetric weight represents the amount of space a package occupies, rather than its actual weight. It is often used for lightweight but bulky items where the physical space taken up is a more significant cost factor than the actual weight.
Shipping companies use different divisors depending on the service and mode of transport (such as air, sea or road), but the most common divisors are 4,000, 5,000 and 6,000. The formula for calculating volumetric weight is as follows:
For example, if your package measures 50cm x 40cm x 60cm, the volumetric weight with a divisor of 5,000 is:
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When is Volumetric Weight used?
Volumetric weight is used when the space a package occupies is more significant than its actual weight: this is often the case with air freight, where space is limited and more valuable than weight capacity.
If your volumetric weight exceeds the actual weight, shipping charges may be based on the volumetric weight rather than the physical weight.
If your volumetric weight exceeds the actual weight, shipping charges may be based on the volumetric weight rather than the physical weight.
Is CBM the same as Volume?
Yes, CBM is a specific unit for measuring volume. The term CBM is simply the metric measurement used in logistics to express the volume of a package or a container in cubic metres.
How to calculate dimensions for irregularly shaped packages
If your package is irregularly shaped, it’s best to measure it as if it were in a box.
Use the longest points of the package for the length, width, and height. Doing this ensures you’re accounting for the entire volume the package will take up during shipping.
This method simplifies the calculation for items like spheres, cylinders, or odd shapes to ensure accurate CBM and volumetric weight assessments.
Use the longest points of the package for the length, width, and height. Doing this ensures you’re accounting for the entire volume the package will take up during shipping.
This method simplifies the calculation for items like spheres, cylinders, or odd shapes to ensure accurate CBM and volumetric weight assessments.
How do you calculate CBM with inches?
To calculate CBM when you have dimensions in inches, first convert the inches to centimetres by multiplying by 2.54 (since 1 inch = 2.54 cm). Then, follow the standard CBM formula:
For example, a package with dimensions of 20 inches (length), 15 inches (width), and 12 inches (height) would first convert to centimetres:
Then calculate CBM:
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Is there a relationship between CBM and weight?
While CBM measures a shipment's volume, weight measures its mass.
There is often a relationship between the two when determining shipping costs, especially for air freight. If a shipment is large but light, volumetric weight is used to calculate the cost, as the space it takes up is more relevant than its actual weight.
For sea freight, both CBM and weight are important. Shipping companies have weight limits for containers, so large shipments must stay within the maximum allowable weight for the given container size.
There is often a relationship between the two when determining shipping costs, especially for air freight. If a shipment is large but light, volumetric weight is used to calculate the cost, as the space it takes up is more relevant than its actual weight.
For sea freight, both CBM and weight are important. Shipping companies have weight limits for containers, so large shipments must stay within the maximum allowable weight for the given container size.
How many CBM fit in a 20ft container?
A standard 20ft container has a capacity of 33 CBM. However, in practice, you can realistically load between 25 and 28 CBM depending on the size and shape of your packages, as well as how efficiently the container is packed.
How many CBM fit in a 40ft container?
A standard 40ft container has a capacity of 67 CBM. Realistically, you can load between 54 and 58 CBM, depending on the packaging and the dimensions of the cargo. The remaining space allows for handling and secure packing of the goods.
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Our guide should help you understand how to calculate CBM and volumetric weight and how to use these metrics when shipping goods. If you’re unsure, feel free to use our Volume & Weight Calculator to get precise calculations!
We can help you choose the most cost-effective shipping method. Freight Broker can also find the best rates for your freight with our shipping costs calculator. We compare live prices from over 20 international shipping services!
We can help you choose the most cost-effective shipping method. Freight Broker can also find the best rates for your freight with our shipping costs calculator. We compare live prices from over 20 international shipping services!