What is the Carton Volume Calculator?
Freight forwarders quote by CBM (cubic metres), so the first number they ask for is the total volume. The carton volume calculator works out the volume of one carton and multiplies it by the quantity, showing CBM and cubic feet with the share of a 20ft and 40ft container.
For mixed carton sizes, use the CBM Calculator; to plan loading, use the Container Loading Calculator. All calculators accept centimetres, inches or millimetres and kilograms or pounds, so you can use the units on your supplier's spec sheet.
How to use the Carton Volume Calculator
- Enter the carton dimensions.
- Enter the number of cartons.
- Read the CBM per carton and total.
- See the container fill percentage.
Formula
Total CBM = L × W × H (m) × quantity
Example
200 cartons of 50 × 40 × 30 cm = 0.06 m³ each = 12 CBM total, about 36% of a 20ft container (33 CBM).
Usable container volume
A 20ft container has about 33 CBM of space, but 25–28 CBM is a realistic load because of gaps and stacking limits. A 40ft holds about 67 CBM (55–58 usable) and a 40ft high-cube about 76 CBM (65–68 usable).
Related packaging and shipping tools
Packaging decisions are connected: the box size sets the volumetric weight, which sets the courier bill, and the carton size decides how many fit on a pallet or in a container. These related calculators help with the next step:
- Volumetric weight calculator: courier, air, sea and road.
- Dimensional weight calculator: DIM weight and chargeable weight.
- CBM calculator: cubic metres for a shipment.
- Shipping cost calculator: courier cost from your rate card.
- Freight cost calculator: air, LCL, FCL and road.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate shipment CBM?
Multiply carton length × width × height in metres, then by the number of cartons.
How many CBM fit in a 20ft container?
About 33 CBM in theory, 25–28 CBM in practice.
What is LCL?
Less than container load: your cargo shares a container and you pay per CBM.
Can I enter inches?
Yes, choose inches and the result is converted.
How do I convert CBM to cubic feet?
Multiply by 35.315.
Is the Carton Volume Calculator free to use?
Yes. The Carton Volume Calculator on Custom Converter is completely free, with no sign-up, no daily limit and no watermark.
Does the Carton Volume Calculator work on mobile phones?
Yes. It is built mobile-first and works on Android phones, iPhones, tablets and computers in any modern browser, with no app to install.