Measure the finished package
Measure the outside length, width and height after packing, including protruding protection. Use centimetres consistently. A product dimension from a supplier catalogue is not a packed dimension. For palletised cargo, measure the complete loaded pallet and record whether stacking is possible.
Calculate each packing group
For identical cartons: length × width × height × quantity ÷ 1,000,000 gives cubic metres (CBM) when dimensions are in centimetres. Ten cartons measuring 60 × 40 × 50 cm total 1.2 m³. Calculate different sizes separately, then add their volumes.
Keep weight and volume separate
Record gross weight including packaging, not only product net weight. CBM alone does not determine an air chargeable weight or a freight price. Ask which measurement, rounding rule and charging basis the carrier will use; confirm the packed data again after repacking.
Send a traceable measurement list
List the supplier, carton mark, quantity, packed dimensions and gross weight for every packing group. Add a measurement date and identify estimates. Retain supplier figures alongside warehouse measurements so a change in the quotation can be traced to its cause.
Carton volume calculator
Add a group for each carton size, using outer packed dimensions in centimetres. Calculate up to 20 groups together.
CBM = L × W × H × Q ÷ 1,000,000
Example: 10 cartons × 60 × 40 × 50 cm = 1.2 m³. This is geometric volume, not a freight quotation or chargeable weight. Keep gross weight and stackability in your inquiry. Calculating and copying stay on this page; using the inquiry button transfers the measurements to the form.
Apply this to your shipment
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE
Ten cartons measuring 60 × 40 × 50 cm total 1.2 m³. Five more at 80 × 50 × 50 cm add 1.0 m³, so the combined volume is 2.2 m³ across 15 cartons. Keep the two groups separate in your record. If a pallet or new packaging changes the outside dimensions, measure again before using the figure in an inquiry.
Check before the next step
- Use outside packed dimensions in one consistent unit.
- Include the loaded pallet in the measured envelope when applicable.
- Keep total carton count and gross weight alongside the volume.
Terms in plain language
- CBM / cubic metre
- A unit of volume. One cubic metre is a cube measuring one metre on each side; it is not a weight or a price.
- Gross weight
- The weight of the goods together with their packaging. Record it separately from product-only net weight.
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Ocean freight
FCL or LCL. A sea freight plan built around your volume, destination and delivery priorities.
