Free export tool
CBM calculator for export cartons and pallets
Work out cubic metres before sharing your packing list with a forwarder. This calculator uses the outside dimensions of identical packages and their count.
Calculate shipment CBM
Enter the outside dimensions of one carton, bag, bale or pallet and the number of identical packages.
Total volume
1.680 CBM
60 × 40 × 35 cm × 20 packages ÷ 1,000,000
How to calculate CBM
For dimensions in centimetres, multiply length × width × height × number of packages, then divide by 1,000,000. For example, twenty cartons of 60 × 40 × 35 cm occupy 1.680 cubic metres. Measure the packed outside dimensions, including anything that increases the carton or pallet’s footprint.
Different carton sizes?
Calculate each size separately and add the results. Record both the package count and total CBM on the packing list. If goods are palletised, confirm with your forwarder whether the quoted space is based on individual cartons or the outside size of the loaded pallet.
What CBM does not tell you
CBM is volume, not gross weight or a freight quote. Carriers can use different charging rules by mode, route and service. Give the forwarder the package dimensions, gross weight, destination and transport mode and ask them to confirm the chargeable basis.
For the rest of the document trail, read the export invoice and packing list guide or see how ExportEazy keeps packing against the shipment.
Keep the packing list with the shipment
ExportEazy keeps the order, packing, documents and transport record together so your team can see what is still open.