CBM to Chargeable Weight Calculator
Convert cubic metres into volumetric weight, compare it with actual
gross weight, and estimate the shipment’s chargeable weight.
JavaScript must be enabled to use this calculator.
Select the freight conversion rule
The selected factor converts one CBM into an equivalent
volumetric weight.
Based on the common air-freight relationship of 6,000 cubic
centimetres per kilogram.
Enter the kilograms treated as equivalent to one cubic metre.
Volumetric weight = Total CBM × 166.67 kg
Advanced calculation options
CBM always remains in cubic metres.
Courier shipments are often compared package by package.
The increment follows the selected actual-weight unit.
Enter CBM and gross weight
Add separate lines when cargo types have different CBM or
weight.
Use quantity when several handling units have the same CBM and
gross weight.
Add an optional freight-rate estimate
Enter the rate without the currency symbol.
The charge is based on chargeable kilograms.
This basic estimate excludes minimum charges, service zones,
fuel, handling, documentation, customs, delivery, storage,
duties, taxes, and other surcharges.
Estimated chargeable weight
0 kg
Enter at least one complete cargo line.
0.000 CBM
0 kg
0 kg
—
View full calculation details
0 kg
Internal metric chargeable weight
0.000 tonnes
Chargeable kilograms divided by 1,000
0.000
Chargeable kilograms divided by the active factor
—
Actual kilograms divided by CBM
0 kg
Volumetric equivalent minus actual weight
—
Chargeable amount multiplied by the entered rate
This independent calculator is provided for shipment planning.
Conversion factors, rounding, minimums, and comparison methods can
vary by carrier, service, country, and customer agreement. Confirm
final chargeable weight and charges with the carrier or freight
forwarder.
How to Convert CBM to Chargeable Weight
CBM means cubic metre and describes the amount of space occupied by
cargo. Freight carriers convert CBM into an equivalent volumetric
weight so that bulky, lightweight cargo can be compared with
physically heavy cargo.
Air Freight
General air freight commonly uses approximately 166.67 kilograms per
CBM. A shipment occupying 2.4 CBM therefore has an estimated
volumetric weight of about 400 kilograms. When actual weight is lower,
the volumetric result controls the estimate.
Express and Courier Freight
Many express calculations use 200 kilograms per CBM. Courier services
often compare actual and dimensional weight package by package, so the
express preset automatically selects cargo-line comparison.
Sea Freight LCL
Standard LCL weight-or-measure calculations commonly compare one CBM
with one metric tonne. The sea-freight preset therefore uses 1,000
kilograms per CBM. Full-container-load shipments are generally priced
by container instead.
Rail Freight
The rail preset uses approximately 333.33 kilograms per CBM. Carrier,
country, and trade-lane rules may differ, so the custom option can be
used when a quotation supplies another factor.
Actual Gross Weight
Gross weight should include the goods and all shipping materials,
including cartons, pallets, crates, wrapping, cushioning, straps, and
protective materials.
Shipment and Cargo-Line Comparison
Shipment-total comparison adds all CBM and all gross weight before
selecting the higher result. Cargo-line comparison finds the higher
result for each line before totaling them. The second method can
produce a higher chargeable weight when dense and bulky items are
mixed in one shipment.
How to Use the Calculator
- Select a freight mode or custom conversion factor.
- Select kilograms or pounds for actual gross weight.
- Enter the quantity, CBM, and gross weight of each cargo type.
- Add another cargo line when CBM or weight differs.
- Review actual, volumetric, and chargeable results.
- Add an optional rate for a simple cost estimate.
- Print the calculation or download the Excel-compatible report.
Why the Final Carrier Result May Differ
Carriers may use different conversion factors, package-level rules,
rounding increments, verified measurements, or minimum chargeable
weights. Freight charges may also include fuel, handling, pickup,
delivery, documentation, customs, storage, duties, and taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kilograms is one CBM for air freight?
Under the common 6,000 cm³/kg relationship, one CBM equals
approximately 166.67 volumetric kilograms.
How many kilograms is one CBM for express shipping?
A 5,000 cm³/kg express divisor is equivalent to 200 volumetric
kilograms per CBM.
How many kilograms is one CBM for sea freight?
Standard LCL calculations commonly treat one CBM as equivalent to
1,000 kilograms.
Can I enter my own conversion factor?
Yes. Select the custom rule and enter the kilograms per CBM shown
in the carrier quotation or agreement.