5 minute guide
How to Calculate CBM for Ocean Shipping
Calculate shipment volume from carton dimensions and avoid unit-conversion mistakes.
The CBM formula
For dimensions in metres, multiply length × width × height × quantity. For centimetres, divide the result by 1,000,000; for inches, multiply cubic inches by 0.000016387064.
Multiple carton sizes
Calculate each size group separately and add the group volumes. Do not average dimensions: it changes the volume whenever cartons differ in size.
CBM is not loadability
A container’s nominal cubic capacity is higher than its practical usable capacity. Door dimensions, pallet footprints, weight limits and safe stowage all reduce what will fit.
Check your document automatically
Extract the fields, then run deterministic shipping checks before export.
Parse a document free