How To Calculate CBM
CBM (cubic meter) is the volume your cargo takes up. Measure each package in centimeters and use this formula:
Length × Width × Height ÷ 1,000,000 = CBM per piece
Multiply by the number of pieces to get the total. Example: a carton of 60 × 40 × 40 cm is 0.096 CBM. Ten cartons are 0.96 CBM.
What Is Chargeable Weight?
Carriers charge on whichever is higher: the actual weight or the volume weight of your cargo.
- Ocean LCL: 1 CBM or 1,000 kg, whichever is higher (W/M).
- Air freight: L × W × H in cm ÷ 6,000 = volumetric kg.
- Express courier: L × W × H in cm ÷ 5,000 = volumetric kg.
- LTL trucking: freight class is based on density in pounds per cubic foot.
Shipping Container Capacity Guide
| Container | Internal size (L × W × H) | Total volume | Usable volume | Max payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20' Standard (20GP) | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | 33.2 CBM | about 26 to 28 CBM | about 21,700 to 28,200 kg |
| 40' Standard (40GP) | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | 67.7 CBM | about 56 to 58 CBM | about 26,700 to 28,800 kg |
| 40' High Cube (40HC) | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m | 76.3 CBM | about 66 to 68 CBM | about 26,500 to 28,600 kg |
| 45' High Cube (45HC) | 13.56 × 2.35 × 2.70 m | 86 CBM | about 73 to 76 CBM | about 25,600 to 27,700 kg |
Sizes and payload vary by carrier and container age, so the calculator uses the lower payload figure. US road weight limits can also lower the weight you can load for inland trucking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CBM make a full container load (FCL)?
Most shippers switch from LCL to a 20' container at around 15 CBM, because a full container often costs about the same as 15 or more CBM of shared space. A 20' container usually holds 26 to 28 CBM of cargo in practice.
How do I convert CBM to cubic feet?
1 CBM equals 35.315 cubic feet. Multiply your CBM by 35.315 to get cubic feet.
What does "non-stackable" mean?
Non-stackable cargo cannot have anything placed on top of it, so it uses the full height of the container. Our calculator counts the floor space these pieces take, which gives a more realistic container fit.
Is the freight class from this tool final?
No. The class shown is an estimate from the NMFC density scale. Some commodities have a fixed class, so our team confirms the correct class before booking.
Can USL help me plan my shipment?
Yes. Send us your cargo details with the Get a Quote button and our team will suggest the best mode, container and route for your cargo.