Free tool
CBM calculator: volume and chargeable weight.
Enter your carton size to get the volume (CBM) and the weight air freight bills for. Results update as you type.
100 × 100 × 100 cm × 1
CBM × 167 or actual weight, whichever is higher
Use this CBM for sea freight quotes. A rule of thumb, not a price.
How it works
Understanding CBM and shipping costs
What is CBM?
CBM stands for cubic metre: the volume of your cargo. In centimetres: length × width × height ÷ 1,000,000.
L × W × H÷ 1,000,000= CBM
Chargeable weight
Air freight charges whichever is HIGHER: the actual weight, or CBM × 167. Example: 1 CBM weighing 100 kg is charged as 167 kg.
CBM × 167vsactual kg
Shipping cost formula
Air: chargeable weight (kg) × rate per kg. Sea: CBM × rate per CBM. Ask us for the current rates for your goods.
kg × rateorCBM × rate
When to use LCL vs FCL
LCL (shared container) for less than about 20 CBM. FCL (full container) from about 20 CBM, where a full container becomes cheaper. A 40ft container holds about 50–55 CBM.
< 20 CBMLCL20+ FCL
Example calculation
Box 100 × 100 × 100 cm weighing 50 kg: CBM = 1.00 m³. Chargeable weight for air = 1 × 167 = 167 kg, because 167 kg is more than 50 kg.
1.00 m³→167 kg
Pro tips
Measure accurately, including packaging. Consolidate several shipments for better rates. Heavy, dense goods: sea is cheaper. Light, small goods: air can be cheaper.
Want exact prices?
Rates change with the season, route and goods. Send us your numbers and we reply with a door-to-door price within 24 hours.
Ready to ship?
Use your CBM calculation to request an accurate quote.