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CBM calculator

Add your carton sizes and quantities to get cubic meters, chargeable weight for air and courier, and how many containers you need.

Assumption: 85% is a common rule of thumb for mixed cartons (gaps, pallets, dunnage). Real loads vary. Adjust it, or use the container load calculator for one carton size.
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Formulas and assumptions

  • CBM = length × width × height (m) × quantity. 1 m³ = 35.3147 ft³.
  • Air chargeable weight = max(gross kg, cm³ ÷ 6,000). Courier commonly uses ÷ 5,000. These divisors are industry conventions; your carrier's may differ.
  • LCL is billed by revenue ton (W/M): the greater of CBM or tonnes (1,000 kg = 1 revenue ton).
  • Containers (internal): 20' 33.2 m³ / 30,200 kg payload; 40' 67.7 m³ / 28,800 kg; 40' HC 76.3 m³ / 28,600 kg (Hapag-Lloyd specs; other lines vary slightly). Containers needed = the higher of volume ÷ usable volume and weight ÷ payload.