Work out the volume of a box-shaped space or carton in cubic metres (CBM). Enter the length, width, and height, choose metres or centimetres, and add a quantity if you have several identical items. The calculator shows the volume per item and the total. CBM is the standard volume measure for shipping and freight, so this is handy for working out freight space and cost.
Multiply length by width by height, with all three measurements in metres. If you measured in centimetres, multiply the three numbers and divide by 1,000,000, because one cubic metre contains 1,000,000 cubic centimetres. For several identical items, multiply the volume of one by the quantity.
A carton measures 120 cm long, 80 cm wide, and 100 cm high. Multiplying gives 960,000 cubic centimetres. Divide by 1,000,000 to get 0.96 cubic metres per carton.
If you are shipping 10 of these cartons, the total is 9.6 cubic metres, which helps you estimate freight cost and how many fit in a container.
CBM (cubic metre) is how carriers measure volume for sea and air freight. Freight is often charged on whichever is greater, the actual weight or the volumetric weight, so knowing your CBM helps you compare quotes and plan loads. A standard 20 foot shipping container holds roughly 33 cubic metres of usable space.
One million. That is why you divide a measurement in cubic centimetres by 1,000,000 to get cubic metres.
Work out each box size separately, then add the totals together. This calculator handles one box size at a time with a quantity.
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