For business owners dealing with shipping and logistics, understanding CBM (Cubic Meter) is critical. Shipping costs are often calculated based on the volume of the goods, and any miscalculation could result in significant overpayments. Fortunately, calculating CBM is simple when you know the formula.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the exact formula for calculating CBM, practical examples, and the importance of CBM in different shipping scenarios, such as sea freight and air freight. We’ll also discuss common conversion issues, as well as tools and calculators that can make the process easier.
What is CBM?
Cubic Meter (CBM) is the volume of a package, container, or shipment. It’s calculated by multiplying the dimensions of the package (Length x Width x Height) in meters. CBM is often used in shipping to determine how much space a package will occupy, and it’s one of the main factors that influence shipping costs.
CBM is important because shipping companies typically charge either by weight or by volume. If your shipment is light but takes up a lot of space, you will be charged based on the CBM. On the other hand, if your shipment is heavy but doesn’t take up much space, the weight might be the determining factor for the cost. Knowing how to calculate CBM accurately ensures you aren’t overcharged for shipping services.
Why CBM is Important for Business Owners
For businesses that deal with the regular shipping of goods, especially those involved in international trade, calculating CBM is a crucial task. Overpaying for shipping due to incorrect volume measurements can cut into profit margins, while underestimating your CBM could result in shipments being rejected or delayed.
In addition, many shipping companies set volume limits on their containers and shipments. For example, sea containers have a limited volume capacity, and exceeding this limit could mean splitting the shipment into multiple containers, leading to additional costs. Knowing your shipment’s exact CBM helps you optimize how goods are packed and transported.
Let’s now explore the steps involved in calculating CBM.
What is the formula for calculating CBM?
The formula for calculating CBM is simple:
CBM=Length×Width×Height
However, the key lies in ensuring that all the dimensions are measured in meters. If you’re measuring your shipment dimensions in centimeters or inches, you’ll need to convert them into meters before calculating the CBM.
For example, say you have a package that is 2 meters long, 1 meter wide, and 1.5 meters high. To calculate its CBM:
CBM=2×1×1.5=3 CBM
If you’re working with smaller dimensions in centimeters or inches, here’s how you adjust the formula:
- In centimeters (cm): Multiply the dimensions (L x W x H), then divide the result by 1,000,000 to convert the result to CBM.Example: A box that is 150 cm long, 100 cm wide, and 200 cm high:
- In inches: Multiply the dimensions (L x W x H) in inches, then divide the result by 61,024 to convert to CBM.Example: A package that is 60 inches long, 40 inches wide, and 80 inches high:
These conversions are important for international shipments, as measurements might differ between regions.
How can I find CBM?
Finding CBM is as easy as multiplying the length, width, and height of your package. However, real-life scenarios often involve multiple packages of varying sizes, or irregularly shaped items. In such cases, you need to calculate the CBM for each individual item and then sum them up to get the total shipment volume.
For example, if you’re shipping three boxes with the following dimensions:
- Box 1: 1.5 meters long, 1 meter wide, and 2 meters high
- Box 2: 2 meters long, 1 meter wide, and 1.5 meters high
- Box 3: 1 meter long, 1.5 meters wide, and 1.2 meters high
To calculate the CBM for each box:
- Box 1: 1.5 x 1 x 2 = 3 CBM
- Box 2: 2 x 1 x 1.5 = 3 CBM
- Box 3: 1 x 1.5 x 1.2 = 1.8 CBM
The total CBM would be:
3+3+1.8=7.8 CBM
This is the total volume your shipment will occupy, and it is the value used to determine the shipping cost.
How many boxes is 1 CBM?
The number of boxes that fit into 1 CBM depends on the size of the boxes. If the boxes are small, more can fit into 1 CBM, while larger boxes will take up more space.
For instance, if you have a box that measures 50 cm (0.5 meters) on each side, the volume of one box is:
CBM=0.5×0.5×0.5=0.125 CBM per box
To find how many boxes fit into 1 CBM:
This means you can fit 8 of these boxes into 1 CBM.
This information is particularly helpful for businesses shipping goods in large quantities, as it allows for better packing and container optimization, ultimately reducing shipping costs.
How many CBM is in a 40ft container?
One of the most common questions in shipping is how many CBMs can fit into a standard shipping container. A 40ft container has internal dimensions of approximately 12.03 meters long, 2.35 meters wide, and 2.38 meters high. Using these measurements, the total volume of a 40ft container is:
12.03×2.35×2.38=67.25 CBM
However, not all of this space is usable. Depending on how the goods are packed and whether or not they can be stacked, the usable volume is usually between 54 and 58 CBM. It’s important to keep in mind that different types of goods, especially irregularly shaped items or items that require careful handling, may occupy more space and reduce the actual CBM that can be used.
For smaller shipments, businesses often use 20ft containers, which have a capacity of approximately 33.1 CBM, with a usable volume of around 25 to 28 CBM.
How to calculate CBM for sea shipment?
Sea shipment is one of the primary ways that businesses transport goods internationally, and CBM is the key factor in determining shipping rates. Whether you’re shipping full containers or less-than-container loads (LCL), calculating CBM ensures that you are billed accurately.
For sea shipments, follow the same CBM formula:
CBM=Length (m)×Width (m)×Height (m)
Measure the length, width, and height of each package in meters, and calculate the CBM for each item. Sum the CBM of all packages to get the total volume.
For example, if you’re shipping three cartons with the following dimensions:
- Carton 1: 1.5 meters x 1 meter x 2 meters
- Carton 2: 2 meters x 1 meter x 1.5 meters
- Carton 3: 1 meter x 1.5 meters x 1.2 meters
Calculate each carton’s CBM:
- Carton 1: 1.5 x 1 x 2 = 3 CBM
- Carton 2: 2 x 1 x 1.5 = 3 CBM
- Carton 3: 1 x 1.5 x 1.2 = 1.8 CBM
Total CBM = 3 + 3 + 1.8 = 7.8 CBM.
1 CBM to kg in sea freight
In sea freight, shipping rates are determined based on either the volume (CBM) or the weight of the shipment. Generally, 1 CBM is equivalent to 167 kg of weight. This means that if your shipment is lighter than 167 kg per CBM, the shipping cost will be calculated based on the CBM. If it is heavier, the shipping cost will likely be calculated based on the weight.
For example, if your shipment occupies 2 CBM and weighs 300 kg, you’ll likely be charged based on weight (since 2 CBM x 167 kg = 334 kg, which is more than your actual weight of 300 kg). But if your shipment weighs 400 kg, the cost would be based on weight.
Summary
For business owners who frequently deal with shipping and logistics, understanding and calculating CBM is essential. CBM helps determine the volume of shipments, which directly affects shipping costs, container space, and packaging decisions. By following the correct formulas and using simple tools like CBM calculators, you can optimize your shipping process, avoid overpaying, and ensure that your goods are transported efficiently.
The next time you’re preparing a shipment, remember to measure accurately, calculate your CBM, and consult with your shipping provider to ensure the best rates. Accurate CBM calculations will help save both time and money, and ensure that your business runs smoothly.
