Whether you're importing products from overseas or sending goods to customers globally,
understanding CBM (Cubic Meter) is crucial in logistics and freight forwarding.
This blog explains what CBM is, how to calculate it, and why it matters in international shipping—with diagrams to make it crystal clear.
🔍 What is CBM?
CBM stands for Cubic Meter, a unit of volume that represents how much space a package occupies.
It is widely used in air freight, sea freight, and land transport to calculate shipping costs and optimize container space.
1 CBM = 1m x 1m x 1m of volume
It determines how many units fit into a container or shipping space.
📐 How to Calculate CBM
To calculate CBM, use this formula:
CBM = Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m)
Note: All dimensions must be in meters. If they are in centimeters or inches, convert them first.
✅ Example:
A box with:
Length = 120 cm → 1.2 m
Width = 80 cm → 0.8 m
Height = 100 cm → 1.0 m
CBM = 1.2 × 0.8 × 1.0 = 0.96 CBM🖼️ Diagram: Visualizing CBM
Here is a visual explanation of CBM using a single box:
🧱 Box Dimensions:
Length = 1.2 m
Width = 0.8 m
Height = 1.0 m
Volume = 0.96 CBM
If you have multiple boxes, you simply multiply the CBM of one box by the number of boxes.
Total CBM = CBM of one unit × number of units🚢 CBM and Container Sizes
Here’s how CBM relates to common shipping containers:
Container Type | Internal Dimensions (m) | Max CBM |
20 ft Container | 5.9 × 2.35 × 2.39 | ~33 CBM |
40 ft Container | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 | ~67 CBM |
40 ft HC (High Cube) | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 | ~76 CBM |
Note: Due to packaging gaps and safety regulations, actual usable space is about 85-90% of max CBM.
💰 Why CBM Matters
CBM affects shipping in several key ways:
Freight Cost: For LCL shipments, you are charged by CBM, not weight.
Container Optimization: Helps to decide how many units fit per container.
Cost Estimation: Allows importers/exporters to budget freight expenses.
Customs and Warehousing: Used for duty calculations, storage fees, etc.
✈️ CBM in Air Freight
In air freight, dimensional weight also plays a role:
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Dimensional Weight (kg) = (L × W × H in cm) / 6000
You’ll be charged based on actual weight or dimensional weight—whichever is higher.
🛠️ Tools to Make it Easier
You can use CBM calculators online to automate the process. Some freight forwarders also provide Excel-based templates for bulk calculations.
✅ Quick Tips
Always measure outer dimensions, including packaging.
Use uniform-sized boxes to make container loading more efficient.
Consult your freight forwarder about CBM and chargeable weight policies.
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