CBM Calculator
Calculate Cargo Volume & Freight Weight Accurately
Planning a shipment? Knowing the exact volume of your cargo is crucial for getting accurate freight quotes and avoiding surprise charges.
CBM (Cubic Meter) is the globally accepted unit used by shipping lines, airlines, and freight forwarders to determine space utilization and freight charges. Incorrect CBM calculations can result in higher freight costs, billing disputes, or shipment delays.
The M S Mehta & Co CBM Calculator is a free, precision tool designed to help importers, exporters, customs brokers, shipping lines, airlines, freight forwarders, and logistics professionals calculate the Cubic Meter (CBM) volume and volumetric weight of their shipments instantly. This calculator eliminates guesswork and manual errors by applying industry-standard formulas used in real-world freight operations.
Whether you are shipping via Sea Freight (LCL/FCL) or Air Freight, our tool ensures you can plan your logistics with confidence by calculating accurate cargo volume in CBM and volumetric (chargeable) weight.
Select weight unit
Select measurement unit
CBM
Gross Weight
Volumetric Weight
How to Use the CBM Calculator
We designed this tool for speed and simplicity. You don’t need to do any manual math—just input your cargo details.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Select Your Mode: Choose between the Air Freight or Sea Freight tabs.
- Choose Your Units: The calculator defaults to cm and kg, but you can easily switch to inches, feet, or lbs to match your packing list.
- Enter Quantity: Input the total number of cartons or packages.
- Input Dimensions: Enter the Length, Width, and Height per package.
- Input Weight: Enter the Gross Weight per package (optional, but recommended for Air Freight).
The tool will instantly display your total Volume (CBM), Total Weight, and Volumetric Weight. No manual formulas. No conversion errors.
What is CBM in Logistics?
CBM stands for Cubic Meter. It is the international standard unit for measuring freight volume. It represents the volume occupied by cargo. It is calculated using the formula:
CBM = Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m) × Quantity
In international shipping, the cost is often determined by how much space your cargo occupies, not just how much it weighs.
- For LCL (Less than Container Load): You are charged based on CBM.
- For FCL (Full Container Load): Knowing your total CBM helps you decide if you need a 20ft or 40ft container.
Pro Tip: Not sure if your cargo fits? Contact M S Mehta & Co for a professional load plan and freight consultation. Feel free to WhatsApp Us or Call Us Directly.
Container CBM Capacities
Use this quick reference guide to estimate which shipping container fits your total CBM.
| Container Type | Max Internal Volume (Approx) | Practical Loadable Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | 33 CBM | 28 – 30 CBM |
| 40ft Standard | 67 CBM | 58 – 60 CBM |
| 20ft Reefer (RF) | 28 CBM | 25 – 26 CBM |
| 40ft Reefer (RF) | 67 CBM | 60 – 63 CBM |
| 40ft High Cube | 76 CBM | 68 – 70 CBM |
| 45ft High Cube | 86 CBM | 78 – 80 CBM |
| Flat Racks | Volume varies purely by cargo dimensions (ODC) | |
Note: Practical volume is lower than maximum volume due to packaging inefficiencies and stacking gaps.
Understanding Volumetric Weight (Chargeable Weight)
If you are shipping by air, weight isn’t the only factor. Airlines use a metric called Volumetric Weight (also known as Dimensional Weight or Chargeable Weight) to determine the freight cost. If your package is light but bulky (like cotton or empty suitcases), you will be charged for the space it takes up rather than its actual weight. They charge based on the higher of actual weight or volumetric weight, making accurate CBM calculation essential.
- Air Freight Conversion: 1 CBM is approx 167 kgs (Standard Divisor: 6000)
- Sea Freight (LCL) Conversion: 1 CBM is approx 1000 kgs (usually)
Our calculator automatically computes this for you, so you know exactly which weight (Actual vs. Volumetric) will be used for billing.
Why Trust M S Mehta & Co?
Logistics is about precision. With 60+ years of experience in the industry, M S Mehta & Co understands that a small calculation error can lead to big costs in freight and warehousing. That is why we built this CBM Calculator—to provide transparency and accuracy for our clients. Whether you are planning a single shipment or managing multiple consignments, this tool simplifies cargo volume calculation. The CBM Calculator by M S Mehta & Co is:
- 100% Free
- No registration required
- Unlimited usage
- Built on real-world, industry-standard formulas and logic
At M S Mehta & Co ensures this calculator reflects actual industry practices, not theoretical assumptions. But our support doesn’t stop there. We offer complete end-to-end support, from customs clearance to freight forwarding, ensuring your goods move smoothly across borders.
Related Logistics & Customs Tools by M S Mehta & Co
Accurate calculations and real-time information are essential for smooth import and export operations. Along with our CBM Calculator, M S Mehta & Co offers trusted tools used daily by customs brokers, freight forwarders, and trade professionals.
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Track your container status for FREE using Container Number or Bill of Lading (BL) Number across 200+ shipping lines on our Container Tracking Tool. Get real-time container movement, including ETA, ETD, transshipment details, delays, and current shipment status, helping you plan arrivals and logistics with confidence.
