CBM Calculator in cm / inches – Excel Import & Export

Use this CBM volume calculator to total the cubic metres of packed cargo from dimensions and quantities. It supports the volume-calculation workflow shown below. Total CBM is a useful shipment measure, but it does not establish whether items physically fit in a container.

Need item placement, orientation, pallet planning or a 3D loading view? Use the separate CBM3 3D container loading planner. For a worked procedure, see the step-by-step planning guide.

Cargo volume and weight planner

CBM Calculator

Calculate shipment CBM, total weight, container capacity and W/M freight cost across multiple cargo lines. Import Excel and download a private PDF report.

5 lines ready Add up to 500 lines Metric and imperial
Dimensions: cm Unit weight: kg

Enter outer packaged dimensions and the weight of one piece. Each line multiplies both volume and unit weight by quantity.

Step 1

Enter cargo lines

Five empty lines are provided. Add more for mixed cartons, crates, pallets, or products.

# Width (cm) Length (cm) Height (cm) Qty Unit weight (kg) Line CBM Line weight Actions

Weight is optional for volume-only estimates, but a reliable payload recommendation requires it.

Excel import accepts .xlsx files up to 5 MB and replaces the current lines. The input-only template has no formulas or calculated result columns.

Equipment capacities and dimension checks

Edit usable volume and payload for your equipment. Optional internal dimensions must all be supplied in metres. Individual piece checks allow rotations; they do not prove the complete load or doorway fits.

EquipmentUsable volume (m³)Payload (kg)Length (m)Width (m)Height (m)
20DC
40DC
40HC

Hapag-Lloyd equipment reference · Reference checked: 2026-09-08. Actual equipment specifications vary.

Step 2

Review totals and capacity

Totals update instantly as complete lines are entered.

Total pieces0
Total volume0 m³0 ft³
Total weight0 kg0 lb
Container recommendation Enter cargo details

Enter at least one complete cargo line to see a recommendation.

Capacity-only planning estimate. Confirm physical packing, equipment, payload, carrier restrictions and legal limits before booking.

Step 3

Estimate freight cost

Enter a rate per W/M unit. The calculator charges the larger numerical total: cubic metres or metric tonnes.

One W/M unit equals either 1 CBM or 1 metric tonne, whichever produces the larger chargeable quantity.
Volume basis0 CBM
Weight basis0 t
Chargeable quantity0 W/MEnter cargo details to determine the chargeable basis.
Estimated freight costUSD 0.00Enter a unit rate to calculate the estimate.

The freight result is a mathematical W/M estimate only. Confirm the applicable tariff, surcharges and final price with your logistics provider.

Save a shareable calculation record

The PDF includes every valid cargo line, shipment totals, container recommendation and freight estimate.

How to calculate cubic metres

For dimensions in centimetres: width × length × height ÷ 1,000,000. Multiply by quantity for the total. A 60 × 40 × 80 cm box has a volume of 0.192 m³; ten boxes total 1.92 m³.

When to move from volume to a loading plan

Use a placement simulation when the shipment includes mixed dimensions, rotation restrictions, pallets, stacking limits or delivery stops. Always confirm actual equipment dimensions, payload and securing requirements. Browse the loading-space guides to choose the appropriate planning profile.

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