How to Calculate CBM for Shipping: Formula and Examples
- CBM = Length(m) × Width(m) × Height(m) — divide cm by 100 first
- Example: 60×40×50 cm carton = 0.12 CBM · 10 cartons = 1.2 CBM
- Sea bills higher of weight or volume (1 CBM = 1,000 kg). See volumetric weight guide
CBM (cubic meter) is the standard unit freight forwarders use to price LCL sea freight and calculate chargeable volume for air cargo. Knowing how to calculate CBM helps you estimate costs accurately before requesting a quote from TY Freight.
The CBM Formula
CBM = Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m)
If your supplier provides dimensions in centimeters, divide each measurement by 100 first. For example, a carton measuring 60 cm × 40 cm × 50 cm equals 0.6 × 0.4 × 0.5 = 0.12 CBM per carton.
Multiply by the number of cartons to get total volume. Ten identical cartons at 0.12 CBM each = 1.2 CBM total — a typical minimum for LCL consolidation from China to Europe.
CBM vs Actual Weight: Chargeable Volume
Carriers bill whichever is higher: actual weight or volumetric (dimensional) weight. For sea LCL, the standard conversion is 1 CBM = 1,000 kg. If your cargo weighs 800 kg but occupies 2 CBM, you pay for 2 CBM.
For air freight, the divisor is typically 6,000 (cm-based) or 167 kg per CBM. Lightweight, bulky items like furniture or pillows often trigger volumetric charges. Our air freight guide covers when air still makes sense despite higher per-CBM rates.
Worked Examples
- Small electronics shipment — 20 cartons, 50×40×30 cm each = 20 × 0.06 = 1.2 CBM
- Palletized goods — one standard pallet 1.2 m × 1.0 m × 1.5 m = 1.8 CBM
- 20ft container — approximately 28–33 CBM usable capacity depending on cargo shape
See our container types guide for FCL capacity by container size.
How to Reduce CBM and Save on Freight
- Ask suppliers to use right-sized cartons — excess air space inflates CBM
- Consolidate multiple supplier orders at TY Freight's free Guangzhou warehouse before shipping
- Flat-pack products where possible to reduce height
- Compare LCL vs FCL break-even — usually around 15–18 CBM for China-Europe routes
More strategies in our guide to reducing shipping costs from China.
FAQ: CBM Questions Importers Ask
- What is the LCL minimum CBM? — Most forwarders charge 1 CBM minimum; TY Freight consolidates smaller shipments at our Guangzhou hub.
- Do I include pallet dimensions? — Yes, always measure the outermost dimensions including pallets and packaging.
- Can TY Freight calculate CBM for me? — Send supplier packing lists; we verify dimensions during warehouse receiving.
Need an Accurate CBM Quote?
Send your packing list — TY Freight calculates volume and provides all-inclusive DDP pricing within 24 hours.