CBM Shipping Calculator
Calculate cubic metres, volumetric weight and container fit for a shipment.
Last updated · View algorithm, constants and default inputs (JSON)
About this calculator
Enter each box’s dimensions in centimetres and weight in kilograms. The 139 divisor is converted from in³/lb into the calculator’s cm/kg units; other listed divisors use cm³/kg. Freight cost is a simplified comparison of volume and weight rates, while carrier rules, packaging and container loading can change the billed amount.
Worked example
calculated with the default values below
Number of boxes 20 · Box length 60 cm · Box width 40 cm · Box height 40 cm · Weight per box 12 kg · Volumetric divisor Air freight 6000 (cm³/kg) · Freight rate per cubic metre 120 $ · Freight rate per kilogram 3 $ Total volume 1.9200 m³ · Total actual weight 240.00 kg · Volumetric weight 320.00 kg · Chargeable weight 320.00 kg · Charge basis Volumetric weight (bulky light goods) · Freight cost 960.00 $ · Container equivalent Fits in a 20 ft container · Volume per box 0.09600 m³
General background references
Disclaimer
These calculators provide planning estimates only. Building codes, wiring regulations and safety requirements differ by country and change over time, and nothing here replaces a licensed professional or a permit. For structural, electrical or gas work, follow local code and have the installation inspected.
Implementation source
This record describes the implementation used by this page. It is not independent validation. External references, when available, support only the stated formula or definition; estimates and custom rules retain their own assumptions.
Formula and variables
Cost = max(V·r_v, W_c·r_w), V = n·L·W·H ÷ 10⁶, W_g = n·w, W_c = max(W_g, V·10⁶ ÷ d)
- Cost
- Freight charge
- V
- Total volume (CBM)
- W_c
- Chargeable weight
- r_v
- Rate per CBM
- r_w
- Rate per kg
- n
- Number of boxes
- L
- Box length (cm)
- W
- Box width (cm)
- H
- Box height (cm)
- w
- Weight per box (kg)
- W_g
- Total gross weight
- d
- Volumetric divisor
Dimensions in cm; d = volumetric divisor (6000 air, 5000 courier, 4000 express, 139 in³/lb US).
Frequently asked questions
How does the 139 volumetric divisor work with centimetre inputs?
The box dimensions stay in centimetres and weight stays in kilograms. For divisor 139, the calculator converts cubic centimetres to cubic inches, applies 139 in³ per pound, then converts pounds back to kilograms. A 60 × 40 × 40 cm box is about 19.1 kg volumetric at 139; at 6000 cm³/kg it is 16 kg. Carrier tariffs and container loading rules may differ.