Container CBM Calculator
Calculate total volume (CBM) for LCL and FCL shipments. Accurate cubic meter estimation for cartons, pallets, and shipping containers.
Master the math of Maritime Volume
In ocean freight, space is as valuable as weight. Understanding the conversion between physical dimensions and "Revenue Tons" (RT) is the difference between a profitable shipment and an unexpected invoice. Freight forwarders use CBM (Cubic Meters) to establish the chargeable basis for LCL shipments.
The W/M Rule: Weight or Measure
Ocean carriers typically charge based on the **W/M rule (Weight or Measure)**. This means they will bill you for whichever number is higher: the total weight in tons or the total volume in cubic meters.
Volume Heavy
If your cargo is 2 CBM but weighs 500 kg (0.5 Tons), you will be charged for 2 Revenue Tons.
Weight Heavy
If your cargo is 1 CBM but weighs 1500 kg (1.5 Tons), you will be charged for 1.5 Revenue Tons.
Multimodal Ratios & Optimization
- Air Freight (1:6000): Standard international ratio where 1 CBM is equivalent to 167 kg. This high-density requirement emphasizes compact packaging.
- Sea Freight (1:1000): The standard LCL baseline. If your shipment exceeds 15 CBM, it is often more cost-effective to book an entire FCL (20ft) container.
- Road Freight (1:3000): Common for LTL (Less Than Truckload) across European and Asian corridors, equating 1 CBM to 333 kg.