Do you want to calculate the volume of your goods?

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What do you need a quote for?

Commercial Import/Export

For companies that ship commercial cargo or for freight forwarders.

Calculate the volume of your cargo in cubic meters

Calculator

Cubic Meters Calculator

Tools

VOLUME CALCULATOR

VOLUME CALCULATOR

= 1.000 cbm
The CBM formula: how to estimate the cubic volume of your cargo

To calculate the space your goods will occupy, simply multiply its three dimensions: length, width, and height. The final result corresponds to the cubic volume required for its transport.

Here are four simple steps to obtain the CBM correctly:

  1. Define the unit of measurement you will use, either centimeters or inches.

  2. Measure each side of your package and write it down.

  3. Enter the measurements in the calculator, indicating the chosen unit.

  4. The system will show you the total cubic volume.

If your shipment includes multiple items, measure each piece separately and calculate its volume. Then, add up all the values to get the total space your cargo will occupy.

How to get the cubic meters of your packages?

Most shipping companies calculate the volume as if it were a rectangular block. To do this, they multiply length × width × height. In the case of cylindrical objects, the cylinder volume formula is used: radius × radius × π, then multiplied by the height.

Container capacity: How many cubic meters fit inside?

20-foot container

DV20

40-foot container

DV40

40-foot High Cube containe

HD40

By knowing the volume of your goods, you can identify the most suitable type of container. The choice not only depends on the available space but also on other logistical factors. Choosing a container with a slightly larger volume than necessary —around 80% of its capacity— will give you a safe margin for loading.

The volume a container can hold varies depending on its type and dimensions.

CONTAINER TYPE LENGTH WIDTH HEIGHT CAPACITY MAXIMUM
20′
589 cm
234 cm
238 cm
26-26 CBM
33 CBM
40′
1200 cm
234 cm
238 cm
56-58 CBM
66 CBM
40′ HC(High Cube)
1200 cm
234 cm
269 cm
60-68 CBM
72 CBM
45′ HC(High Cube)
1251 cm
245 cm
269 cm
72-78 CBM
86 CBM

If your shipment volume is less than 15 m³, it is best to opt for an LCL (Less than Container Load) service for transport.