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CBM Calculator for Seafreight FCL & LCL Shipping

Looking for a different calculator for other modes of transport?

Airfreight

Parcel / Courier

Roadfreight

Railfreight

Container type

Maximum loading volume

m³

Maximum loading weight

Unit of measure

Length

Width

Height

No. of packages

Gross weight

Total weight of packages

Package volume

m³

Total volume of packages

m³

Total Cargo Weight

0 Kg

max

20,000 Kg

Total Cargo Volume

0 m³

max

28 m³

How to Use the CBM Calculator for Seafreight FCL & LCL

To use the CBM calculator for seafreight FCL & LCL shipping, enter the details of each package to instantly calculate the package CBM volume, total volume, and total weight of each shipment.

Use the CBM calculator by following these steps:

Select the type of shipping container: 20’GP General Purpose, 40’GP General Purpose or 40’HC High Cube. Note that the container’s Maximum Loading Volume and Maximum Loading Weight will show default values. You can also click to edit these values, according to your needs.
Enter the length, width, height and weight of each package, and the number of packages. Click ’Add Package’ to add new package details as required.

The CBM calculator will give you the following calculations:

Total Weight Kg (of all packages in each row)
Package Volume CBM m3
Total Volume CBM m3 (of all packages in each row)
Total Shipment Volume CBM m3 - a bar graph will show a percentage of how full the shipping container is by cubic volume
Total Shipment Weight Kg - a bar graph will show a percentage of how full the shipping container is by weight.

What is CBM in shipping?

The CBM Calculator measures shipment volume in cubic meters, which is important in shipping and logistics. CBM stands for Cubic Meter (m3), which confirms the total space that your shipment occupies. In shipping, CBM (cubic meter) is a standard unit of measurement for freight volume. This is important for international trade.

The CBM Calculator helps by providing shippers with individual and overall packaging cubic volumes and weights. When shipping goods via FCL, this helps shippers to plan the loading of shipping containers. When shipping goods via LCL cargo, it helps shippers understand the freight costs.

Shipping companies or freight forwarders usually charge based on volume or weight, whichever is greater. Understanding CBM and weight data will help shippers in many ways, including:

Understand the total freight costs that the shipment volume will incur
Calculating the Landed Costs of imported products. Use the IncoDocs Landed Cost Calculator here.
Plan purchasing quantities
Plan the loading of shipping containers

CBM Calculation Explained

The formula for calculating CBM is quite simple. Multiply the Length x Width x Height of your package in meters. The result is the cubic meter volume (m3). See below formula and example for CBM calculations:

Example

A pallet is 1.2m long, 1.2m wide, and 1.5m high

The formula is: Length (m) x Width (m) x Height (m) = CBM (m3)

The calculation is: 1.2m x 1.2m x 1.5m = 2.16 CBM (m3)

How to Calculate the Chargeable Freight Rate using DIM Factors

For any particular shipment, the chargeable freight rate depends on the CBM volume and the Actual Weight or the DIM Weight (Dimensional Weight) of the shipment, whichever is greater.

It’s important to understand that Sea, Air or Road carriers will use the greater of the Actual Weight or the Dimensional Weight (also known as the volumetric weight, orcubed weight) to determine the chargeable cost to move the freight. For example, light but bulky items may cost more due to the large space that they occupy.

When calculating the chargeable weight, shipments via Sea, Air and Road will use a different DIM Factor (Dimensional Weight Factor, also known as the conversion factor/conversion rate). The different factors, conversion rates and formulas for the different modes of transport are as displayed in the table below.

Notes:
The seafreight formula is calculated using dimensions in meters.
The numbers marked with an asterisk (*) for DIM factors and conversion rates are common industry standards but can be variable and may vary by region or carrier. Specific carriers or regional regulations might use different values based on their operational requirements. Always verify with your carrier to ensure accurate calculations and compliance with their policies.*
By Road: Conversion Rate 333 is widely used, however this can vary per carrier. Some carriers use 250, some 300, most use 333. Always verify with your carrier to ensure accurate calculations and compliance with their policies.
Although both ’Airfreight’ and ’Courier/Parcel’ shipments both travel on aircraft, the DIM factors for airfreight (6000) and courier/parcel shipments (5000) are different. This difference arises from several factors, including the nature of the shipments, operational efficiencies, and pricing strategies of the respective services.
Mode of Transport	DIM Factor	Conversion Rate (kg per CBM)	1 CBM to kg	Formula to Calculate Dimensional Weight
Seafreight	1000	1000	1 CBM = 1000kg	Length (m) x Width (m) x Height (m) x 1000**
Airfreight	6000	167	1 CBM = 167kg	Length (cm) x Width (cm) x Height (cm) / 6000
Parcel / Courier	5000	200	1 CBM = 200kg	Length (cm) x Width (cm) x Height (cm) / 5000
Roadfreight LTL	3000*	333*	1 CBM = 333kg	Length (cm) x Width (cm) x Height (cm) / 3000
Railfreight	3000*	333*	1 CBM = 333kg	Length (cm) x Width (cm) x Height (cm) / 3000

How to Calculate the Chargeable Freight Rate for a Seafreight Shipment?

By LCL Shipping

If you ship goods via LCL cargo, the carrier or freight forwarder will charge for the freight per 1m3 or per 1000kg (Metric Tonne MT). If a freight rate is quoted at $80USD per CBM/MT, let’s look at 2 examples below.

Example 1

Shipping 1 pallet of goods. Pallet size: 1.2m x 1.2m x 1.5m. Pallet weight: 550kg.

CBM Volume = Length (m) x Width (m) x Height (m). That is 1.2 x 1.2 x 1.5 = 2.16m3
Actual Gross Weight = 550kg (0.55MT)

Since the CBM volume is greater than the actual gross weight, the freight will be charged on the basis of CBM volume.

So the freight cost = $80USD x 2.16m3 = $172.80USD

Example 2

Shipping 1 crate of goods. Crate size 1.8m x 1.2m x 1.2m. Crate weight: 2900kg.

CBM Volume = Length (m) x Width (m) x Height (m). That is 1.8 x 1.2 x 1.2 = 2.59m3
Actual Gross Weight = 2900kg (2.9MT)

Since the actual gross weight is more than the CBM volume, the freight will be charged on the basis of actual gross weight.

So the freight cost = $80USD x 2.9MT = $232USD

By FCL Shipping

Note that for FCL shipping, the freight will be charged per container. For example, the freight rate to move a 20’GP container from Shanghai port to Longbeach port may be $3000USD, regardless of the total CBM volume or gross weight inside the container. Read more about FCL and LCL shipping here.

How many CBM and products can I fit into a shipping container?

The total number of products, packages and CBM that you can fit into a shipping container depends on a few factors, such as:

The size and shape of each of the products
The size, shape and type of packaging used (i.e. pallets, skids etc)
How the packages are loaded, stacked and strapped inside the shipping container

Because of this, it’s nearly impossible to utilize 100% of the shipping container’s loading capacity (unless you fill the container with water). There will always be some ‘empty’ space in between the different packages.

As a general rule, the useable capacity of a shipping container is around 80% of the maximum capacity. For example, a 20’GP General Purpose shipping container can hold a maximum capacity of 33m3. However, the useable capacity is around 27m3.

Here are the most common container types with their dimensions and their cubic meter volumes:

Container Type	Dimensions (m)	Maximum CBM	Maximum Useable CBM	Maximum Cargo Weight	Maximum Cargo Useable Weight
20’GP General Purpose	5.9m x 2.35m x 2.35m	32-33m3	27m3	28,300kg	Country Limit Restrictions
40’GP General Purpose	12.03m x 2.35m x 2.39m	67-68m3	54m3	26,800kg	Country Limit Restrictions
40’HC High Cube	12.03m x 2.35m x 2.69m	76-77m3	61m3	26,600kg	Country Limit Restrictions

What is the Maximum Weight that can be loaded inside Shipping Containers?

The maximum weight that can be loaded into a shipping container is determined by several factors, including the container’s own structural limits, the transportation method, and the regulations of the exporting and importing countries.

Different countries have their own regulations regarding the maximum weight allowed for transporting shipping containers, and these can affect the amount of cargo that can be loaded. To give some examples:

In the European Union, the maximum weight for a loaded container transported by road is often limited to 44,000 kg (97,000 lbs), including the truck and container. In contrast, some African and Asian countries may have different weight limits due to varying infrastructure capabilities and safety standards.
In Australia, the road transport regulations limit the gross weight of a container to 42,500 kg (93,700 lbs), including the vehicle and shipping container.

This means that while the container itself might be structurally capable of carrying more, the cargo weight must be adjusted to comply with national transport laws. These differences highlight the importance of understanding and adhering to local regulations to avoid fines, delays, and potential damage to goods.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much CBM is in a 40ft container?

A 40ft General Purpose shipping container can hold a maximum of approximately 67-68m3 based on its internal dimensions. However, based on the sizes and shapes of the packages, and how they are loaded inside the shipping container, the maximum volume of packages that fit could be around 54m3.

A 40ft High Cube shipping container can hold a maximum of approximately 76-77m3 based on its internal dimensions. However, based on the sizes and shapes of the packages, and how they are loaded inside the shipping container, the maximum volume of packages that fit could be around 61m3.

How does a Verified Gross Mass (VGM) Declaration work?

The SOLAS VGM regulation was created to ensure that shippers correctly declare the total ‘verified gross mass’ of a FCL shipping container that is ready for export. These regulations were updated to avoid accidents along the global supply chain due to misdeclared gross weight of shipping containers.

Shippers can use ‘Method 1’ or ‘Method 2’ to verify the gross mass and then provide a Verified Gross Mass Declaration document. Read more about VGM declartions.

How do you calculate the CBM of an irregular shaped box?

Calculating the cubic meter of an irregular-shaped carton is a bit different, but maintains the same formula. First, find the maximum length, width and height of the carton. Treat it as if it fits into a regular cuboid. Measure the maximum length, maximum width and maximum height of the carton. Use these measurements as if they form a regular carton.

Example

For an irregular shaped carton, the maximum length is 0.4m, the maximum width is 0.3m, and the maximum height is 0.3m.

The formula is: Length (m) x Width (m) x Height (m) = CBM (m3)
The calculation is: 0.4m x 0.3m x 0.3m = 0.036 CBM m3

CBM Calculation for Multiple Boxes or Cartons

Calculating CBM for multiple boxes or cartons is simple. First, calculate the CBM for one box/carton using the formula: Length (m) x Width (m) x Height (m) = CBM.

Once you have the CBM of one box/carton, multiply that by the number of boxes/cartons to get the total volume in CBM.

Example

A shipment contains 12 cartons. Each carton dimension is 80cm x 40cm x 40cm.

CBM per carton is 0.8 x 0.4 x 0.4 = 0.128m3
CBM for 12 cartons = 0.128m3 x 12 = 1.536m3

How to Calculate CBM for Pallets

To calculate the CBM for pallets it is quite simple. Multiply the Length x Width x Height of your package in meters (be sure to include the pallet bast in your dimensions). The result is the cubic meter volume (m3) for pallets. See below formula and example for CBM calculations:

Example

A pallet and it’s contents is 1.2m long, 1.2m wide, and 1.5m high

The formula is: Length (m) x Width (m) x Height (m) = CBM (m3)
CBM for pallet calculation is: 1.2m x 1.2m x 1.5m = 2.16 CBM (m3)

If you have multiple pallets, multiply the CBM of one pallet by the total number of pallets to get the total CBM: 2.16m3 x 4 pallets = 8.64m3

Difference between Sea Freight and Air Freight CBM

Air freight charges are often based on the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight. This is calculated differently from sea freight.

As mentioned above, for airfreight shipments, 1 CBM is equal to 167 kilograms. This means for every cubic meter of space your cargo occupies, the chargeable weight is considered to be 167 kilograms. For seafreight shipments, 1 CBM is equal to 1000kg. This shows that seafreight is more volume-based. It can accommodate larger quantities of goods without the same weight restrictions as air freight or courier/postal shipments.