CBM (Cubic Meter) Calculator
CBM (cubic meters) is calculated by multiplying package Length × Width × Height (in meters) by total quantity. In international logistics, chargeable weight equals the greater of actual gross weight and volumetric dimensional weight. Standard volumetric ratios apply: Road freight uses 1:3000 (1 CBM = 333 kg), Air cargo uses 1:6000 (1 CBM = 167 kg), and Ocean LCL applies the W/M rule (1 CBM = 1,000 kg).
Updated October 2026 · Brosan Lojistik operations team
Quick Answer: How to Convert CBM to KG in International Freight?
The conversion from CBM (cubic meters) to chargeable kilograms depends strictly on the transport mode's volumetric factor: For European Road Freight (1:3000 ratio), 1 CBM = 333.33 kg (3 CBM = 1,000 kg / 1 Metric Ton). For International Air Cargo (IATA 1:6000 standard), 1 CBM = 166.67 kg (6 CBM = 1,000 kg). For Ocean LCL Groupage (1:1000 W/M rule), 1 CBM = 1,000 kg (1 Revenue Ton). Express courier (1:5000 ratio) equates 1 CBM to 200 kg.
- European Road Freight (1:3000)
- 1 CBM = 333.33 kg
- 3 CBM = 1,000 kg (1 Ton) | 1 LDM = 1,750–1,850 kg
- Air Cargo (IATA 1:6000)
- 1 CBM = 166.67 kg
- 6 CBM = 1,000 kg (1 Ton) | Volumetric Chargeable Weight
- Ocean LCL Groupage (1:1000 W/M)
- 1 CBM = 1,000 kg (1 Ton)
- 1 CBM = 1 Revenue Ton (W/M Rule)
| Volume (CBM / m³) | Road (1:3000) | Air Cargo (1:6000) | Ocean LCL (1:1000) | Express Courier (1:5000) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 CBM (m³) | 167 kg | 83 kg | 500 kg | 100 kg |
| 1.0 CBM (m³) | 333 kg | 167 kg | 1,000 kg (1 Ton) | 200 kg |
| 2.0 CBM (m³) | 667 kg | 333 kg | 2,000 kg (2 Ton) | 400 kg |
| 3.0 CBM (m³) — 1 Road Ton Benchmark | 1,000 kg (1 Ton) | 500 kg | 3,000 kg (3 Ton) | 600 kg |
| 5.0 CBM (m³) | 1,667 kg | 833 kg | 5,000 kg (5 Ton) | 1,000 kg |
| 10.0 CBM (m³) | 3,333 kg | 1,667 kg | 10,000 kg (10 Ton) | 2,000 kg |
Shipment Metrics & Chargeable Weight
Cross-Modal Chargeable Comparison
Comparison of chargeable billing weight across international transport modes:
Mathematical Formulas & Cargo Measurement Standards
Logistics engineers, customs brokers, and shippers calculate cargo space and freight costs using standardized mathematical formulas. Here is how CBM and dimensional weights are derived:
To calculate volume from centimeter dimensions:
For imperial measurements in inches:
- Air Cargo (1:6000):CBM × 166.67 kg
- Road Freight (1:3000):CBM × 333.33 kg
- Ocean LCL (W/M):Max(CBM, Ton)
- Express Courier (1:5000):CBM × 200.00 kg
CBM to Revenue Ton (W/M Rule)
In ocean LCL and breakbulk cargo, carriers quote freight per Revenue Ton (RT / W/M). 1 Revenue Ton equals either 1 CBM (1 cubic meter) or 1 Metric Ton (1,000 kg), whichever produces the higher charge: Revenue Ton = Max(CBM, Gross Weight in MT).
How to Calculate Freight Ton
To calculate freight ton: 1) Measure the cargo volume in cubic meters (CBM). 2) Divide actual gross weight in kg by 1,000 to get metric tons. 3) Compare volume and weight: Chargeable Freight Ton = Max(Total CBM, Metric Tons).
3 CBM to KG: How Much Does 3 CBM Weigh in KG?
For 3 CBM to kg: In European Road Freight (1:3000), 3 CBM = exactly 1,000 kg (1 Metric Ton); in Air Cargo (1:6000), 3 CBM = 500 kg volumetric weight; in Ocean LCL (1:1000 W/M), 3 CBM = 3,000 kg volumetric equivalent (3 Revenue Tons); in Express Courier (1:5000), 3 CBM = 600 kg.
Worked Shipment Calculation Example
Worked comparison for 20 export cartons (60 × 40 × 40 cm @ 15 kg gross per box) across international transport modes:
| Transport Mode | Volume (CBM) | Actual Gross Wt | Volumetric Wt | Chargeable Weight | Billing Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Road Freight (1:3000) | 0.96 m³ | 300 kg | 320 kg (0.96 × 333) | 320 kg | Volumetric Driven |
| Air Cargo (1:6000) | 0.96 m³ | 300 kg | 160 kg (0.96 × 167) | 300 kg | Gross Weight Driven |
| Ocean LCL (1:1000 W/M) | 0.96 m³ | 0.30 Ton (300 kg) | 0.96 RT | 1.00 RT (Min. 1 CBM) | Volume (W/M Rule) |
Standard Equipment Volumes & Pallet Capacities
Reference guide for comparing your calculated shipment volume against standard ocean containers and European road trailers:
- • Euro Pallets: 11 Pallets
- • Internal: 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m
- • Max Payload: 28,280 kg
- • Euro Pallets: 25 Pallets
- • Internal: 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m
- • Max Payload: 26,730 kg
- • Euro Pallets: 25 Pallets
- • Internal: 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m
- • Max Payload: 28,600 kg
- • Euro Pallets: 33 Pallets
- • Internal: 13.62 × 2.48 × 3.00 m
- • Max Payload: 24,000 kg
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CBM in international shipping and freight forwarding?▾
Why is the chargeable weight different from the actual gross weight?▾
What is the volumetric weight ratio for Air Cargo?▾
What is the volumetric ratio for European Road Freight (FTL/LTL)?▾
How does the W/M (Weight or Measure) rule work in Ocean LCL?▾
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