CBM Calculator
Carton volume in cubic metres for export shipments: per-line and total CBM, gross weight, and a cube-out / weigh-out check against a 40 HC container.
Freight quotes start from CBM, so the carton maths decides your landed cost. Enter box dimensions in centimetres with quantities and optional gross weights; the calculator returns volume per box and per lot, total weight, and the lot density in kg/m³. The density check matters: a 40 HC container balances out around 390 kg/m³, so lighter cargo fills the volume first (cube-out) while denser cargo hits the payload first (weigh-out).
FAQ
How is CBM calculated?
CBM = length × width × height in metres. A 60 × 40 × 40 cm carton is 0.096 m³; a hundred of them is 9.6 CBM.
How many CBM fit in a container?
Usable volume is roughly 25-28 CBM in a 20 GP, 54-58 in a 40 GP and 62-68 in a 40 HC. Only cargo lighter than the balanced density can actually reach those numbers.
What does cube-out vs weigh-out mean?
Cube-out: the container is full while the weight limit is not reached - typical for furniture and light goods. Weigh-out: the payload limit is reached with space to spare - typical for dense hardwood products.
What density tips a 40 HC from cube-out to weigh-out?
About 390 kg/m³ - payload ~26,500 kg divided by ~68 m³ usable. Above that figure, plan the shipment by weight rather than volume.