Before asking a forwarder for a quote, it helps to know how much space your packed goods occupy. This free CBM calculator adds different carton groups, converts centimetres, metres or inches, and shows shipment volume and gross-weight density. You can use it without an account or a spreadsheet.
Interactive calculator
Add your cartons, see the total volume
Use a separate group for each carton size. Enter the outside dimensions of one packed carton and its quantity. Optional gross weights are per carton.
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What to enter for each carton group
Measure one finished carton’s outer length, width and height. Enter how many identical cartons use those dimensions. Add another group when a carton size changes. The optional gross weight is per carton, including packaging. The tool accepts up to twelve groups and adds the volume and weight of each group once.
For a palletised shipment, use the outside dimensions of the finished pallet load where those are the dimensions your forwarder needs. Include the pallet base and any overhang. Do not enter both individual cartons and the pallet holding those same cartons, because that would count the shipment twice.
The CBM and density formulas
CBM = length in metres × width in metres × height in metres × quantity. Convert centimetres to metres by dividing each dimension by 100. One inch is 0.0254 metres. The calculator adds every group to obtain total cubic metres, then converts that total to cubic feet.
Density in kg/m³ = total gross kilograms ÷ total cubic metres. If all weights are blank or zero, the tool still shows volume but leaves density unavailable. If you enter weights for only some groups, the displayed density reflects only those entered weights; complete every group for a full-shipment density.
Worked example: ten cartons
Ten cartons, each 60 × 40 × 30 cm, occupy 0.60 × 0.40 × 0.30 × 10 = 0.72 m³, approximately 25.43 cubic feet. At 8 kg per carton, gross weight is 80 kg and density is about 111.11 kg/m³. Add a second carton group to see how a mixed shipment changes the totals.
Is CBM the same as chargeable weight?
No. CBM measures volume. A service may convert volume to a chargeable weight or compare weight and measurement when pricing freight. The conversion rule, minimum charge and other fees come from your quote. Use our dimensional-weight tool for a package-weight comparison with a stated divisor.
Can this tell me how many cartons fit in a container?
It cannot guarantee a packing plan. Equal total volume does not establish that cartons fit through a door or can be arranged safely. Stackability, weight distribution, load restraint, usable dimensions and handling space matter. Give the carton list and the calculated totals to your forwarder for a checked load plan.
What should I send with a freight enquiry?
Include each packed size, quantity, gross weight, collection and delivery locations, goods description and any handling restrictions. The totals here help describe the shipment; they are not a quote or an acceptance decision.
Method context: UPS freight volume and chargeable-weight calculator. Different transport modes use different charging assumptions.
More free shipping and import tools
Created by Export Import Academy. Editorial contact: John Chekwas. Calculation assumptions are shown above; carrier quotes and customs decisions must be checked with the relevant provider.