Cubic Meters (CBM) Calculator
Compute cubic meters from length, width and height in meters, centimeters or feet, with conversions to cubic feet and cubic yards. Includes freight tips.
Results
CBM (m³)
- Cubic feet
- 33.902 ft³
- Cubic yards
- 1.256 yd³
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Educational estimates · not financial advice · free, no signup
Formula / how it works
CBM = L × W × H in meters. If inputs are cm, divide each by 100 first.
Detailed guide
What it is, how to use it, how to read the numbers, common mistakes, a worked example, formulas, and FAQs.
What this calculator is
Cubic metres, or CBM, measure the volume of a box, shipment or room. Freight carriers price sea and air cargo by volume, so the number matters for quoting. The calculation is simply length times width times height, in metres. This tool accepts dimensions in metres, centimetres or feet, converts to metres where needed, and returns volume in cubic metres, cubic feet and cubic yards. Shippers, e-commerce sellers and movers use it to size cartons and pallets.
When to use / who it helps
- You are preparing a shipping quote that is priced per CBM.
- You are sizing a room's volume.
- You are comparing carton sizes.
- You are converting dimensions given in different units.
- You are estimating how many boxes fit in a container.
How to use
Steps
- Choose the unit of your measurements.
- Enter length, width and height.
- Read CBM.
- Read cubic feet and cubic yards.
- Multiply by the number of cartons for a total.
- Add packaging dimensions to the product's.
How to interpret results
- A 20-foot container holds roughly 33 CBM of cargo, though usable space is lower.
- Air freight often uses volumetric weight, derived from the volume.
- CBM does not account for stacking or irregular shapes.
- Rounding up measures to the next centimetre is common.
- Always use outside dimensions.
Common mistakes & gotchas
- Mixing centimetres and metres.
- Measuring the product instead of the packed carton.
- Forgetting units in conversion.
- Ignoring pallet height.
- Using inner dimensions.
Worked example
Worked example — 1.2 m × 0.8 m × 1.0 m pallet
- CBM = 1.2 × 0.8 × 1.0 = 0.96 m³.
- In cubic feet: 0.96 × 35.3147 ≈ 33.90 ft³.
- In cubic yards: 0.96 × 1.30795 ≈ 1.256 yd³.
- Volumetric weight, with a common divisor of 6,000 cm³ per kg: 960,000 ÷ 6,000 = 160 kg; carriers use different divisors.
Result: 0.96 CBM, about 33.9 cubic feet.
To load the form's own demo values, tap Try example above the Calculate button.
How to calculate / formula
CBM = L × W × H in meters. If inputs are cm, divide each by 100 first.
Frequently asked questions
What is CBM in shipping?
Cubic metres, the volume of a shipment.
How do I calculate CBM?
Multiply length, width and height in metres.
How do I convert from centimetres?
Divide each dimension by 100, or divide the cm³ result by 1,000,000.
What is volumetric weight?
A chargeable weight derived from volume, used by air carriers.
How many CBM in a container?
A 20-foot container is commonly quoted at about 33 CBM, a 40-foot at about 67, though usable space varies.
Does this work for rooms?
Yes, it gives the volume in cubic metres.