What is CBM? CBM meaning in shipping
CBM stands for cubic meter (m³): the space of a cube 1 m long, 1 m wide and 1 m high. In shipping, CBM measures how much space cargo takes up, and it is how LCL sea freight is priced. You calculate it as length × width × height in meters. 1 CBM = 35.31 cubic feet = 1,000 liters. A 20ft container holds about 33.1 CBM and a 40ft high cube about 76.0 CBM.
CBM meaning
CBM = cubic meter. You will also see it written as m³, cu m, CUM or M3 on quotes, packing lists and bills of lading. It measures volume, not weight.
How big is 1 CBM?
- A cube of 1 m × 1 m × 1 m (39.4 × 39.4 × 39.4 in).
- 35.31 cubic feet (CBM to CFT converter).
- 1,000 liters, or about 264 US gallons.
- About 10 cartons of 60 × 40 × 40 cm (0.096 CBM each).
- Roughly one Euro pallet loaded to about 1 m high (1.2 × 0.8 × 1.04 m ≈ 1 CBM).
How to calculate CBM
CBM = length (m) × width (m) × height (m) × number of pieces. Measure the outside of the carton or pallet, convert centimeters to meters (divide by 100), multiply, and multiply again by the quantity.
Example: 120 cartons of 50 × 40 × 30 cm → 0.5 × 0.4 × 0.3 = 0.06 CBM each → 0.06 × 120 = 7.2 CBM. Worked examples in inches and centimeters are in how to calculate CBM, or use the CBM calculator.
What CBM means in shipping
In LCL sea freight you pay per CBM or per 1,000 kg, whichever is greater. This is called W/M (weight or measure), so 1 CBM is treated like 1,000 kg. Air freight uses a different ratio: 1 CBM counts as about 167 kg (÷6000). See CBM to kg for how volume converts to chargeable weight.
CBM of shipping containers
| Container | Internal CBM | Usable CBM for cartons |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard | 33.1 | about 25–28 |
| 40ft standard | 67.6 | about 55–58 |
| 40ft high cube | 76.0 | about 65–68 |
| 45ft high cube | 85.7 | about 72–76 |
Cartons never fill every centimeter, so book with a margin. The container load calculator shows how much of a container your exact cartons use.
Frequently asked questions
What does CBM stand for?
Cubic meter (m³).
What is CBM in shipping?
The volume of cargo in cubic meters. LCL sea freight is charged per CBM or per 1,000 kg, whichever is greater.
How many cubic feet are in 1 CBM?
35.3147 cubic feet.
How many CBM is a 40ft container?
About 67.6 CBM for a 40GP and 76.0 CBM for a 40ft high cube.