CBM Calculator & Container Load Planner
Enter dimensions and weight to get total volume, chargeable weight and how many 20GP, 40GP or 40HQ containers the shipment needs. Free to use, no sign-up.
Run your own numbers
Enter dimensions to see the result.
The preset dimensions are typical shapes we handle, for a fast estimate. Use the measured dimensions of your own vehicle or cargo for anything binding.
What sits behind the numbers
Volume and chargeable weight
- CBM per unit = length × width × height ÷ 1,000,000, measured in centimetres
- Total volume = CBM per unit × quantity
- Volumetric weight = total CBM × 1,000 kg
- Revenue ton = the greater of tonnes of weight and CBM — the weight-or-measurement rule carriers apply to LCL
Why a container fills up before the maths says it should
- Stowage gaps, dunnage and lashing gear all eat cube
- Vehicles need access lanes, lashing points and door clearance
- Road limits at the destination often cap a 20GP at 18–22 tonnes
- With heavy and light cargo mixed, payload usually runs out before space does
The boxes we plan against
| Container | Nominal internal volume | What we plan on using | Payload limit (indicative) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20GP | about 33 CBM | 28 CBM | 21,000 kg |
| 40GP | about 67 CBM | 58 CBM | 26,000 kg |
| 40HQ | about 76 CBM | 68 CBM | 26,000 kg |
Two ships we quote all the time
| Shipment | Working | Result |
|---|---|---|
| One sedan, LCL | 4.70 × 1.80 × 1.45 ÷ 1,000,000 × 1 unit | 12.26 CBM; chargeable quantity = max(1.4 t, 12.26) = 12.26 revenue tons |
| Four sedans in a 40HQ | 12.26 CBM per unit against 68 CBM usable | Cube allows 5; in practice we plan 3–4 with racking and lashing |
The second row is the point: the arithmetic says five units fit, but racking, strapping and door access bring the working number down to three or four. The container loading page shows what that looks like in practice.
Questions about volume and chargeable weight
How is CBM calculated?
Length × width × height. Measured in metres the product is cubic metres; measured in centimetres, divide the product by 1,000,000. For several units, work out one unit first and multiply by the quantity.
What is a revenue ton?
LCL freight is charged on weight or measurement, whichever produces the greater figure: 1 tonne against 1 cubic metre. Light, bulky cargo pays on cube; dense cargo pays on weight.
How much really fits in a 40HQ?
About 76 cubic metres nominal inside, roughly 68 usable once stowage is realistic, and less again once the payload limit is applied. For vehicles, plan against fewer units than the volume alone suggests.
Is this the same for air freight?
No. Airline volumetric weight uses a divisor of 6,000 (centimetres: L × W × H ÷ 6,000 gives volumetric kilograms), while sea freight normally uses the 1:1,000 weight-or-measurement rule. This page is written for sea.
Does this replace a quotation?
No — it is an estimate for planning purposes only. A quotation has to check the carrier’s weight limit, the routing, documentary requirements and clearance at destination. Send us the dimensions and destination port and we will quote in writing.
Can I use this for vehicles?
Yes — pick one of the presets. Note that vehicles on a RoRo service are charged on their external dimensions rather than on CBM, so see RoRo shipping for how that is calculated.
Related pages
- Cars in containers — racking and strapping, with photographs
- Car shipping cost from China — what actually drives the price
- Loading methods compared — container, RoRo and breakbulk
- How the export process works — eight steps from enquiry to release
Turn these numbers into a quotation
Send us the dimensions, weight and destination port. We will confirm what is workable and quote it in writing.
Request a Quote