How to calculate CBM for mixed shipments

What CBM tells you

CBM is shipment volume in cubic meters. It helps a forwarder estimate the space a shipment occupies, compare ocean or road-freight options and apply weight-or-measure charging rules. It is not a weight and it does not by itself prove that every carton will physically fit a vehicle.

The formula

For centimeters, CBM per line equals length × width × height × quantity ÷ 1,000,000. Calculate each carton size separately and add the lines. Twenty 60 × 40 × 35 cm cartons use 1.68 m³; ten 80 × 50 × 45 cm cartons add 1.80 m³, for 3.48 m³ total.

• Use external packed dimensions.
• Keep units consistent within each line.
• Include every handling unit, crate and overpack.

Add weight and freight tons

Gross weight is unit gross weight multiplied by quantity. Shipment density equals total kilograms divided by total CBM. Under a common W/M convention, one revenue ton is the greater of one cubic meter or one metric tonne, but the actual billable rule and minimum charge come from the forwarder's tariff.

From estimate to quotation

Send the forwarder a line-by-line packing list showing package count, dimensions, gross weight and total CBM. State whether cargo is stackable, hazardous, fragile or out of gauge. Those facts can matter more than theoretical volume when equipment is selected.

• Round only after summing precise line volumes.
• Do not substitute pallet dimensions for cartons unless they ship as loaded pallets.
• Use the container planner when physical arrangement matters.