CBM and container load calculator
Enter your carton size, weight and number of cartons. See the total CBM and weight, how many cartons fit in a 20 ft, 40 ft or 40 ft high cube container, and the chargeable weight for air and LCL.
Estimate from a simple block stack and typical container limits. Confirm the load plan with your forwarder before booking.
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Container sizes at a glance
Typical internal dimensions and limits. Exact figures vary by shipping line and container, and road weight rules can lower the payload you can actually ship.
| Container | Internal size (L x W x H) | Capacity | Usual loading | Max payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ft standard | 5.90 x 2.35 x 2.39 m | about 33 CBM | 25 to 28 CBM | about 28,000 kg |
| 40 ft standard | 12.03 x 2.35 x 2.39 m | about 67 CBM | 55 to 58 CBM | about 26,700 kg |
| 40 ft high cube | 12.03 x 2.35 x 2.69 m | about 76 CBM | 65 to 68 CBM | about 26,500 kg |
How to use these numbers in a quotation
Buyers often ask for a price per container. Work out how many cartons fit, multiply by the quantity per carton, and quote the full-container quantity. For smaller orders, quote LCL or air using the chargeable weight above, and use the export price calculator to turn freight into a price per unit.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate CBM for a carton?
Multiply length x width x height in centimetres and divide by 1,000,000. A carton of 50 x 40 x 30 cm is 0.06 CBM. Multiply by the number of cartons for the shipment total.
How many CBM fit in a 20 ft and a 40 ft container?
A 20 ft container has about 33 CBM of internal space, a 40 ft about 67 CBM and a 40 ft high cube about 76 CBM. In practice exporters load about 25 to 28, 55 to 58 and 65 to 68 CBM, because cartons never fill every gap.
What is volumetric weight for air freight?
Airlines charge on the higher of actual weight and volumetric weight. Volumetric weight is length x width x height in centimetres divided by 6,000 for most air cargo, or by 5,000 for many courier services.
How is LCL sea freight charged?
LCL is charged per revenue ton: the higher of the volume in CBM and the weight in tonnes, where 1 CBM is treated as 1,000 kg.
Is the container count exact?
No. The calculator stacks cartons in a simple block in the best orientation and checks the weight limit. Real loading depends on pallets, carton strength and loading space, so confirm with your forwarder before booking.
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