CBM calculator
This CBM calculator works out the cubic meters (CBM) of a shipment from the length, width and height of one carton or pallet and the number of pieces.
Example: Unit of the dimensions: cm · Length 120 · Width 80 · Height 100 · Number of pieces (cartons, pallets) 1 → Total volume: 0.96 CBM (m³) = 33.9021 ft³. Source: NIST Special Publication 811, Appendix B.8: inch = 2.54 E−02 m (exact), foot = 3.048 E−01 m (exact), cubic foot = 2.831 685 E−02 m³ (read 14.10.2026). Updated: .
How it is calculated
CBM = length × width × height in meters × number of pieces. A pallet of 120 × 80 × 100 cm is 1.2 × 0.8 × 1.0 = 0.96 CBM, which is 33.9021 cubic feet.
How to calculate CBM
- Measure the outer length, width and height of one carton or pallet, including any overhang.
- Convert to meters: centimeters ÷ 100, millimeters ÷ 1000, inches × 0.0254, feet × 0.3048.
- Multiply the three values and then by the number of identical pieces.
In centimeters you can also multiply directly and divide by 1,000,000: 40 × 30 × 20 = 24,000 cm³ = 0.024 CBM. One CBM equals 35.3147 cubic feet and 1,000 liters.
Examples
| Dimensions | CBM | Cubic feet |
|---|---|---|
| 120 × 80 × 100 cm | 0.96 | 33.9021 |
| 40 × 30 × 20 cm | 0.024 | 0.8476 |
| 48 × 40 × 36 in | 1.1327 | 40 |
| 2 × 1.5 × 1 m | 3 | 105.944 |
With 25 cartons of 40 × 30 × 20 cm the shipment takes 25 × 0.024 = 0.6 CBM. Couriers often bill the larger of actual and dimensional weight – use the volumetric weight calculator for that. For the volume of a box in other units see the rectangular prism calculator.
Limits
The tool adds up identical pieces of rectangular shape. How many CBM fit into a container or truck also depends on stacking, pallet gaps and weight limits, which it does not model.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate CBM?
Multiply length × width × height in meters and then by the number of pieces. 120 × 80 × 100 cm is 0.96 CBM.
How do I calculate CBM from centimeters?
Multiply the three dimensions in cm and divide by 1,000,000. Example: 40 × 30 × 20 = 24,000 → 0.024 CBM.
How many cubic feet are in one CBM?
1 CBM is 35.3147 cubic feet; 1 cubic foot is 0.0283 CBM.
How do I calculate CBM in inches?
Multiply length × width × height in inches and divide by 61,023.74 – or choose inches as the unit here. 48 × 40 × 36 in ≈ 1.1327 CBM.
Is CBM the same as cubic meters?
Yes, CBM stands for cubic meter (m³), the usual unit for sea freight volume.
Sources and legal basis
As of: · Editorial policy
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