Free CBM Calculator & Shipping Volume Guide | One Logistics Egypt

Learning about CBM

CBM Calculator Guide | One Logistics

Master Your Shipping Volume

Understanding CBM (Cubic Meter) is the first step to controlling your international shipping costs. At One Logistics, we believe an informed client is an efficient client. Here is everything you need to know about calculating volume and optimizing your cargo.

What is CBM?

CBM stands for Cubic Meter. It is the international standard for measuring the volume of cargo. In simple terms, it tells you how much space your shipment occupies inside a container, truck, or aircraft.

The Golden Formula:
Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m) = CBM (m³)

For freight forwarding, the calculation doesn't stop at volume. Carriers compare the Actual Weight (how heavy it is) against the Volumetric Weight (how much space it takes) and charge you for whichever is higher.
In sea freight: 1 CBM ≈ 1,000 kg Whichever is higher — actual weight or volume — is usually charged.
In Air freight: 1 CBM ≈ 167 kg (approx.) Whichever is higher — actual weight or volume — using this formula (Volumetric Weight (kg) = (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 6000).

How Much Fits? (Container Capacity)

Knowing your CBM allows you to choose the right container. If you are shipping via Sea Freight (FCL), ensuring your cargo fits efficiently can save you thousands of dollars.

Container Type

Dimensions (L x W x H)

Max Volume (CBM)

Max Payload (KG)

20' Standard

5.90m x 2.35m x 2.39m

33.2 m³

25,000 kg

40' Standard

12.03m x 2.35m x 2.39m

67.7 m³

27,600 kg

40' High Cube (HC)

12.03m x 2.35m x 2.69m

76.4 m³

28,600 kg

45' High Cube

13.55m x 2.35m x 2.69m

86.0 m³

27,700 kg

*Note: Internal dimensions may vary slightly depending on the shipping line and container manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is CBM important for my pricing?

Freight rates are often calculated based on "Revenue Tons." If your goods are light but bulky (like cotton or foam), you will be charged based on the space (CBM) rather than the weight. Calculating CBM helps you estimate this cost accurately.

2. What is the difference between Air and Sea calculation?

Air freight is much more sensitive to space. Standard Air Freight uses a divisor of 6000 (or 1:6 ratio), meaning 1 CBM is considered equivalent to 167 kg. Sea Freight often uses a ratio of 1:1000 (1 CBM = 1 Ton) for LCL, though specific carrier formulas may vary.

3. How do I calculate CBM for cylindrical packages?

Shipping carriers treat cylinders (like rolled carpets or pipes) as squares. You must measure the diameter of the circle and treat it as both the Length and Width. The formula becomes: Diameter x Diameter x Length = CBM.

4. Can I squeeze more into a container than the "Max Volume"?

Usually, no. While a 20' container technically holds 33 CBM, in practice, you can rarely utilize 100% of that space due to packaging gaps and loading limitations. A safe estimate is to utilize about 28-30 CBM for a 20' container.

5. Does One Logistics help with load planning?

Absolutely. Our team can help you optimize your packing list to ensure you aren't paying for "air." We can suggest pallet configurations or consolidation strategies to maximize your container usage.

6. Do airlines and shipping lines use the same CBM rules?

No. Ocean freight typically compares CBM with weight, while air freight converts volume into volumetric weight using this fixed formula (Volumetric Weight (kg) = (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 6000).