Volume → container fill
CBM Calculator
Enter the dimensions of one package and how many you ship. The calculator returns total volume in cubic metres (CBM) and cubic feet, shows how full each standard container would be, and recommends the smallest box that fits.
9.60 m³339 ft³ · 0.0960 m³ per item
| 20′ | 29% of capacity | |
|---|---|---|
| 40′ | 14% of capacity | |
| 40′ HC | 13% of capacity | |
| 45′ HC | 11% of capacity |
Smallest single container that fits your cargo: 20′
How the recommendation works
Geometric capacity (33.2 m³ for a 20 ft, 67.7 for a 40 ft, 76.4 for a 40 HC, 86 for a 45 HC) is never fully usable — cartons don’t tile a container perfectly. The calculator assumes a practical stuffing efficiency of 85% and recommends the smallest container whose usable volume covers your cargo.
Remember the second limit: weight. If your total cargo exceeds roughly 26–28 tonnes, the volume answer is irrelevant — see the container weight guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is CBM in shipping?
CBM means cubic metre — length × width × height in metres. It is the standard volume unit for ocean freight quotes and container planning.
How do I calculate CBM for my shipment?
Multiply one package’s length, width and height in metres, then multiply by package count. Example: 0.6 × 0.4 × 0.4 m carton × 250 pcs = 24 CBM.