Method and assumptions
CBM describes shipment volume in cubic metres. Enter outer carton dimensions, not product dimensions, and include every carton in the shipment.
CBM = carton length in metres × width × height × carton quantity. Container utilization compares total CBM with a selected reference capacity.
Worked scenario
Enter the packed carton dimensions and carton quantity for one shipment line. Calculate cubic metres by line, then total mixed lines separately rather than averaging carton sizes. Compare the result with pallet or container capacity only after allowing for pallets, bracing and unusable gaps.
How to interpret the result
CBM is a geometric volume, not automatically a freight charge or load plan. Freight tariffs may use minimum charges, weight-to-measure rules and rounded shipment volume. Container utilization based on CBM alone can overstate capacity when carton dimensions do not tile the available space.
Input reference
- Dimension unit
- Example default: Centimetres
- Carton length
- Example default: 60
- Carton width
- Example default: 40
- Carton height
- Example default: 35
- Number of cartons
- Example default: 20
- Reference container
- Example default: 20 ft standard (about 33 CBM)
Common mistakes
- Mixing centimetres, metres and inches in one line.
- Using product volume instead of packed shipping volume.
- Treating nominal container CBM as fully usable.
Before using the result
- Keep each carton type as a separate calculation line.
- Confirm measured dimensions after final packaging.
- Apply the forwarder tariff and loading constraints separately.
Questions to check before deciding
Is container capacity exactly 33 or 67 CBM?
No. These are planning references. Usable capacity depends on internal dimensions, carton shape, loading method and weight limits.
Does CBM determine the freight quote?
It is one input. Freight may also use chargeable weight, minimum charges, route, commodity and surcharges.
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