CBM means cubic metre, a unit of volume. For a rectangular carton measured in centimetres, multiply length × width × height and divide by 1,000,000. Multiply by the number of cartons, then add the totals for each carton type. Use packed outside dimensions, not the product size.
Which formula matches your measurement unit?
Keep all three dimensions in the same unit before multiplying. A common mistake is mixing a length in metres with width and height in centimetres. That produces a plausible-looking number with no useful meaning.
The formulas below calculate the rectangular envelope of a package. If the shape is irregular, measure the enclosing length, width and height for this planner; it does not nest curved or interlocking shapes.
| Input unit | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Metres | L × W × H | m³ |
| Centimetres | L × W × H ÷ 1,000,000 | m³ |
| Millimetres | L × W × H ÷ 1,000,000,000 | m³ |
A single-carton CBM example
A carton measuring 60 × 40 × 30 cm has a volume of 0.072 m³. An order of 150 identical cartons therefore totals 10.8 m³. If every carton weighs 15 kg gross, the cargo weighs 2,250 kg; volume and weight remain separate totals.
Measure the carton after packing. Bulging sides, corner protection and pallet overhang can change the envelope. Using a product catalogue dimension that excludes packaging can understate the space needed.
60 × 40 × 30 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.072 m³; 0.072 × 150 = 10.8 m³
How do you add different carton sizes?
Calculate each cargo type separately before adding. Suppose a second type measures 45 × 35 × 30 cm and the order contains 80 cartons. Each is 0.04725 m³, so this type contributes 3.78 m³. The two-type order totals 14.58 m³.
Do not average the dimensions first: multiplying average dimensions does not preserve the total volume of differently sized boxes. Keep the two types separate in order mode as well, so the layout can use their real shapes and requested quantities.
| Cargo type | Cartons | CBM each | Total CBM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 × 40 × 30 cm | 150 | 0.072 | 10.8 |
| 45 × 35 × 30 cm | 80 | 0.04725 | 3.78 |
| Order total | 230 | — | 14.58 |
Can a CBM total tell me whether the order fits?
It is an initial screening check, not a packing solution. A load can have less volume than the container and still fail because a carton is too wide, permitted orientations leave gaps, stacking is restricted or weight exceeds payload. Pallet spaces and securing materials also consume room.
Likewise, freight chargeable weight is not determined by this CBM formula alone. Conversion factors, minimums and tariffs depend on the service. Ask the carrier for the applicable rating rule. In this tool, use the volume total as context and inspect the checked layout, unplaced items and weight result.
- Use one measurement unit per formula.
- Multiply each type by its own quantity.
- Keep packed weight separate from volume.
- Run a geometric load plan before treating an order as fitting.
Open the load planner
Use your actual carton dimensions, weight and stacking rules to turn this example into a checked layout.
Start planningFAQ
How many cubic metres is a 60 × 40 × 30 cm box?
Its rectangular volume is 0.072 m³. One hundred boxes total 7.2 m³ before any additional pallet or protection envelope.
Is CBM the same as the number of cartons a container holds?
No. CBM measures volume; carton count requires dimensions, arrangement, clearances, weight and stacking rules.