Logistics 101 | What is CBM and How to calculate it?

Author Name: Tiffany Lee – Marketing Analyst at FreightAmigo

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What is CBM?

CBM, short for Cubic Meter, is a measurement used in domestic and international freight to determine the volume of shipments. It is calculated by multiplying the width, height, and length of the cargo. Although it may seem complex, using a calculator can simplify this process and make it an integral part of shipping goods.

The CBM formula is straightforward: it is the product of the quantity of items multiplied by the length, width, and height. If your shipment consists of items with different sizes, you can repeat the formula for each size and add up the volumes.

The Importance of CBM in Shipping

Understanding the CBM of your shipment is crucial because it is used in various international freight calculations. One such calculation is dimensional weight, also known as volumetric weight. Dimensional weight is a theoretical number used to represent bulky but light shipments. It allows carriers to determine the chargeable weight accurately. For example, a pallet of ping pong balls may be light, but it occupies the same volume on an airplane as a pallet of weights. By calculating the dimensional weight, carriers can ensure fair pricing based on the size of the shipment rather than just its weight.

Chargeable weight is another factor influenced by CBM. It is determined by comparing the dimensional weight (or volumetric weight) to the gross weight of the shipment. While ocean freight pricing is more focused on size than weight, air freight is more sensitive to dimensional weight. Therefore, the dimensional weight often plays a more important role in air freight calculations.

In the United States, CBM also affects the calculation of freight class for LTL (Less Than Truckload) trucking carriers. While most products shipped by truck are categorized based on weight, the CBM measurement can play a significant role in determining the freight class for oversized loads.

CBM and Container Capacity

Knowing the CBM of your shipment is essential for estimating how many products can fit in a shipping container. However, calculating this is not as simple as comparing the total shipment volume to the container’s maximum capacity. Containers cannot utilize every piece of space in every loading scenario, resulting in some unused space. The amount of unused space depends on factors such as the size and shape of the items being loaded, their packaging, and how they are stowed. As a general rule, the actual capacity within a container is typically a little over 80% of its maximum capacity.

To provide a general estimate of how many products fit in common shipping containers, refer to the table below:

Container Type	Length	Width	Height	Capacity	Maximum
20′	589 cm	234 cm	238 cm	26-28 CBM	33 CBM
40′	1200 cm	234 cm	238 cm	56-58 CBM	66 CBM
40′ HC	1200 cm	234 cm	269 cm	60-68 CBM	72 CBM
45′ HC	1251 cm	245 cm	269 cm	72-78 CBM	86 CBM

Please note that these estimates provide a rough idea and do not account for variations in packing methods or specific container configurations. It is always recommended to consult with your shipping carrier or freight forwarder for more accurate information.

CBM Conversion for Ocean Freight

When it comes to ocean freight pricing, one ton (1000 kg) is considered equivalent to 1 CBM. This simplifies the calculation of CBM for LCL (Less Than Container Load) shipments. Here is a handy chart converting kg to CBM for ocean freight:

1 kg = 0.001 CBM
10 kg = 0.01 CBM
50 kg = 0.05 CBM
100 kg = 0.1 CBM
200 kg = 0.2 CBM
500 kg = 0.5 CBM
1000 kg = 1 CBM

These conversions help determine the space required for your cargo and enable accurate pricing calculations for ocean freight shipments.

CBM Conversion for Air Cargo

Calculating CBM for air cargo differs from the calculation used for ocean freight. The standard formula for air cargo is length (cm) x width (cm) x height (cm) ÷ 6000 = volumetric weight (KG). This conversion allows carriers to determine the chargeable weight based on the volume of the shipment. For quick reference, remember that approximately 167 kg is equivalent to 1 CBM for air freight.

Calculate your shipment’s cubic meter volume with free CBM calculator

FreightAmigo offers a free automated CBM (Cubic Meter) calculator to simplify your shipping calculations. With the automated CBM calculator in the Instant Quote function, you only need to enter some basic information of the cargo, and you can easily determine the volume of the cargo (in cubic meters), which is crucial for accurate pricing and planning. Whether you are shipping by air, ocean, or land, the CBM calculator provided by FreightAmigo allows you to quickly and accurately calculate the space your shipment will occupy. Take advantage of this user-friendly tool to streamline your shipping process and make informed decisions about your freight.