CBM to KG Calculator | Free Online Tool for Freight Volume & Weight
Struggling with international freight calculations? Unsure if your cargo is charged by “Actual Weight” or “Volumetric Weight”?
Our free CBM to KG Calculator lets you quickly find your shipment’s cubic meters (CBM) and convert it to chargeable weight (KG) based on air, sea, or rail standards. This is essential for accurate freight planning, estimating logistics costs, and avoiding unnecessary expenses.
How to Use Our CBM to KG Calculator?
Get your shipment’s key data in just four simple steps:
Enter Dimensions: Measure the Length, Width, and Height of each package in centimeters (CM) and enter them into the fields.
Enter Quantity & Weight: Fill in the total number of pieces for that dimension, and the actual weight (KG) per piece.
Select Transport Mode: This is the most crucial step! Different modes (Air, Sea, Rail) have different volumetric weight conversion standards. Choose your planned shipping method.
Click Calculate: The system will automatically calculate:
- Total CBM (m³) / Total Cubic Meters
- Total Actual Weight (KG)
- Volumetric Weight
- Final Chargeable Weight
Why Are CBM and Volumetric Weight So Important for Freight?
In international logistics, transport vehicles (planes, ships, trucks) have limited space and weight capacity. Therefore, carriers need a standard to measure how much “resource” a shipment consumes.
This creates two key concepts:
Actual Weight (AW): The gross weight (G.W.) of the cargo. Simply, how heavy it is.
Volumetric / Dimensional Weight (VW): How much space the cargo occupies, converted into a weight equivalent.
The Key Rule: Freight carriers will compare the “Actual Weight” and the “Volumetric Weight” and use the greater of the two as the “Chargeable Weight”.
Light Cargo: Volumetric Weight > Actual Weight (e.g., cotton, styrofoam).
Heavy Cargo: Actual Weight > Volumetric Weight (e.g., steel, machinery).
This is why you need a CBM calculator. It helps you identify if your cargo is light or heavy in advance, allowing you to accurately budget for shipping costs.
Want to understand freight calculation logic in more detail? Check to read our in-depth guide.
Whether your cargo is light or heavy, GWT Shipping can design the most cost-effective shipping solution for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about CBM Conversion
What is CBM?
CBM (Cubic Meter) is the universal unit of volume in shipping. It is the basic unit used to calculate how much space your cargo will occupy in a truck, container, or aircraft.
- CBM Formula (in meters): Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m) = CBM
- CBM Formula (in cm): (Length cm × Width cm × Height cm) / 1,000,000 = CBM
Why are the conversion ratios different for air and sea freight?
Because the “value of space” is different for each mode.
Air (1:6000): A plane’s cargo hold is extremely limited and valuable, so the volume-to-weight ratio is high (1 CBM = 167 KG).
Sea LCL (1:1000): A ship’s weight capacity is far greater than its space limitations, so the ratio is higher (1 CBM = 1000 KG) to better balance volume and weight.
How is volumetric weight calculated?
Volumetric weight is the process of converting CBM back into kilograms (KG) using a specific “dimensional factor.” This factor varies by shipping mode.
- Fret aérien : CBM × 167 (or L*W*H cm / 6000)
- Sea Freight (LCL): CBM × 1000 (1 CBM = 1000 KG)
- Courier: CBM × 200 (or L*W*H cm / 5000)
- Rail Freight: CBM × 125 (or L*W*H cm / 8000)
(Note: Ratios can vary slightly by carrier, but these are the most common standards)
Can this calculator be used for Full Container Load (FCL)?
Not for billing. For FCL shipments (e.g., 20GP, 40HQ), you pay a flat rate “per box.” However, you must still use a CBM calculator to ensure the Total CBM of all your cargo does not exceed the maximum internal volume of your chosen container.
Is my cargo light or heavy?
Use the calculator above and select your shipping mode:
If the “Volumetric Weight” is greater than the “Actual Weight,” your cargo is Light Cargo.
If the “Actual Weight” is greater than the “Volumetric Weight,” your cargo is Heavy Cargo.
Now that you have a clear understanding of your shipment’s CBM and chargeable weight, the next step is to get an accurate quote.
As professional international freight forwarders, we don’t just provide tools, we provide complete logistics solutions.
Ready to Ship Your Cargo?
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