What Is CBM, and How Is It Calculated?
- Grey Exim
- Jun 13, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 31, 2025
The term CBM is commonly used when shipping goods internationally via air, sea, or road. Short for cubic meter, CBM is a key measurement that determines how much space your cargo occupies—and how much you’ll pay for freight.
We’ve compiled everything you need to know about CBM so you can accurately measure your cargo and estimate your shipping costs. In this guide, you’ll learn:
What is the meaning of CBM?
A cubic meter (CBM) measures the volume of a shipment. It tells you how much space your goods will take up in a truck, airplane, or vessel—and directly impacts transportation cost.
How do you calculate CBM?
CBM = Length × Width × Height
Example:
A carton measuring 2 m × 2 m × 2 m has a volume of:
2 × 2 × 2 = 8 m³
If you have 10 identical cartons:8 m³ × 10 = 80 m³
If cartons differ in size, calculate each individually and add the results.
What are Volumetric Weight and Chargeable Weight?
Freight cost is determined by either weight or volume, depending on which one is higher.
1. Gross Weight
The actual weight of the cargo, including packaging and pallets.
2. Dimensional (Volumetric) Weight
This converts cargo volume (CBM) into a weight-equivalent using a DIM factor.
Formulas:
CBM × DIM Factor = Dimensional Weight (kg)
(L × W × H in cm × Quantity) ÷ DIM Factor = Dimensional Weight
Common DIM Factors
Mode | DIM Factor | Meaning |
Sea Freight | 1:1000 | 1 m³ = 1000 kg |
Air Freight | 1:6000 (or 1:167 using CBM formula) | 1 m³ = 6000 kg |
Courier/Express | 1:5000 | 1 m³ = 5000 kg |
Road (LTL) | 1:3000 | 1 m³ = 3000 kg |
Note: DIM factors vary by carrier and region. Always confirm with your service provider.
Chargeable Weight
After calculating both gross and dimensional weight, the higher value becomes the chargeable weight.
How Do You Calculate Freight Using CBM?
1. LCL Ocean Freight
LCL shipments are charged by CBM unless the actual weight exceeds 1 metric ton.
Example 1
Dimensions: 4 m × 4 m × 4 m
CBM: 64 m³
Gross Weight: 200 kg
Rate: $50 per CBM/ton
Volume > Weight → Charge by CBMCost = 64 × $50 = $3,200
Example 2
Dimensions: 2 m × 2 m × 1 m
CBM: 4 m³
Gross Weight: 5,500 kg
Rate: $50 per CBM/ton
Weight > Volume → Charge by weightCost = 5.5 × $50 = $275
2. Air Freight
Dimensional weight is calculated using:(L × W × H in cm) ÷ 6000
Example 1
Dimensions: 150 × 100 × 100 cm
Gross Weight: 200 kg
Dim Weight: 250 kg
Rate: $150 per ton
Chargeable weight = 250 kgCost = 0.25 × $150 = $37.50
Example 2
Dimensions: 50 × 80 × 60 cm
Gross Weight: 1,200 kg
Dim Weight: 40 kg
Chargeable weight = 1,200 kgCost = 1.2 × $150 = $180
3. Road Freight (Truck LTL)
DIM factor: 1:3000
Dimensions: 150 × 80 × 60 cm
Dim Weight: 240 kg
Gross Weight: 175 kg
Rate: $60 per ton
Chargeable weight = Dimensional weightCost = 0.24 × $60 = $15
How many CBMs are in a container?
With many of us using containers to ship our goods, it's vital to know how many CBMs can be accommodated in a standard 20-foot, 40-foot, and 45-foot container:
How Many CBMs Fit on a Pallet?
Common pallet sizes include 48" × 40", 42" × 42", and 48" × 48".
A standard pallet typically accommodates 1.26 m³
How to Calculate CBM for Irregular Packages
1. Cylindrical Packages
Use:
CBM = π × r² × h
Where:
π = 3.14
r = radius
h = height/length
2. Irregular Shapes
Measure maximum length, width, and height: CBM = Max L × Max W × Max H
Conversion Guide
Unit | To Meters | Formula |
Foot | 0.3048 m | ft × 0.3048 |
Inch | 0.0254 m | in × 0.0254 |
Centimeter | 0.01 m | cm × 0.01 |
How Does CBM Impact Freight Cost?
CBM affects not only your base freight rate but also several additional charges, such as:
Terminal Handling Charges (THC)
Inland Haulage Charges (IHC)
Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF)
Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF)
These may be calculated on weight, volume, or both.
Have you found this guide helpful? Share your thoughts in the comments and explore more ways to optimize your freight planning!
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