Shipping & Freight Calculators
International Shipping Volume Calculator
Calculate the total CBM (cubic meters) and cubic feet of your shipment for sea or air freight quotes. Add multiple carton sizes and quantities — the tool totals them instantly.
Last updated: June 2026
Formula Used
CBM (Cubic Meter) is the standard unit for international sea and air freight volume pricing.
Volume per carton (ft³) = L(in) × W(in) × H(in) ÷ 1,728
Total CBM = sum(carton_m³ × quantity)
Example Calculation
50 cartons, 60×40×30 cm, Japan to US: 0.072 m³/carton × 50 = 3.6 CBM = ~127 ft³. At $40/CBM LCL: ~$144 freight charge.
How to Use This Calculator
- Choose cm or inches.
- Enter L×W×H and quantity for each carton type.
- Add more rows with the + Add carton button.
- Read total CBM and ft³ for your freight quote.
- Use the Dimensional Weight Calculator for air freight.
CBM Reference by Freight Mode
| Freight mode | Pricing basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sea LCL | Per CBM | Min 1 CBM; shared container |
| Sea FCL 20ft | Flat per container | ~25–28 CBM usable |
| Sea FCL 40ft | Flat per container | ~55–58 CBM usable |
| Air freight | Greater of kg or vol.wt. | IATA divisor 6,000 cm³/kg |
| Express (DHL/FedEx/UPS) | Greater of kg or DIM wt. | Divisor 5,000 cm³/kg |
Notes & Limitations
Gives geometric volume of cartons only. Actual charges add port surcharges, fuel surcharges, and terminal handling. For container optimization: Container Loading Calculator. For air freight: Dimensional Weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CBM in shipping?
CBM stands for Cubic Meter — the international standard unit for measuring shipment volume. Calculated as L × W × H in meters. Freight forwarders use CBM to price LCL sea freight and to calculate volumetric weight for air freight.
How do I calculate CBM for shipping?
Multiply L × W × H in centimeters, then divide by 1,000,000. Example: 60×40×30 cm = 72,000 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.072 CBM. Multiply by quantity for total shipment CBM.
What is the minimum CBM for sea freight?
Most LCL forwarders charge a minimum of 1 CBM. Below 1 CBM, express parcel (DHL, FedEx, UPS) is often more economical due to fixed handling and documentation costs.
How many CBM fit in a 20ft container?
A 20ft container has ~33 CBM internal with 25–28 CBM usable. The 40ft standard has ~67 CBM / 55–58 CBM usable. The 40ft High Cube has ~76 CBM internal.
What is the difference between CBM and dimensional weight?
CBM is pure volume (m³). DIM weight converts volume to equivalent weight: DIM weight (kg) = CBM × 167 (IATA). Carriers charge whichever is higher: actual weight or DIM weight.
How long does sea freight from Japan or Korea take?
Japan/Korea to US West Coast: 12–18 days. To US East Coast: 18–25 days. Japan to Europe: 25–35 days. Add 3–7 days for customs and inland delivery. Air freight is 3–7 days but 4–8× more expensive.