Updated
Work out your CBM
How to calculate CBM
CBM (cubic metre, m³) is the space your goods take up. For one carton:
CBM = length × width × height in metres. With centimetres: length × width × height ÷ 1,000,000. Then multiply by the number of cartons, and add up cartons of different sizes.
Example
A 60 × 40 × 40 cm carton is 0.6 × 0.4 × 0.4 = 0.096 m³. Ten of them are 0.96 m³, which we charge as 1 m³: S$138.00 by Sea LCL.
Measure the packed carton, not the item
- Outside sizes of the box, as it will travel. A sofa that is 180 cm wide may come in a 200 cm carton.
- Widest points, including handles, legs and anything that sticks out.
- Round up to the next whole centimetre.
- Ask the seller for the packed size (包装尺寸) and gross weight (毛重). Listings usually show the product size, which is smaller.
CBM in cubic feet, inches and litres
| From | To |
|---|---|
| 1 m³ | 35.31 cubic feet |
| 1 cubic foot | 0.0283 m³ |
| 1 m³ | 1,000 litres · 1,000,000 cm³ |
| Sizes in inches | L × W × H ÷ 61,024 = m³ |
The calculator converts inches for you: switch "Sizes in" to inches.
What one CBM costs by sea
Sea LCL (less than container load) is charged on volume. Your boxes share a container with other shipments and you pay for the space they take, door to door, in about 2–3 weeks (est.).
| Chargeable volume | Sea LCL |
|---|---|
| Up to 0.4 m³ | S$90.00 flat |
| 0.5 – 1 m³ | S$138.00 flat |
| 1.1 – 10 m³ | S$138.00 per m³ |
| 10.1 m³ and up | S$136.00 per m³ |
- Rounding: the total volume is rounded up to the next 0.1 m³.
- Heavy goods: we charge the higher of the measured volume and the weight ÷ 500 (500 kg per m³): 600 kg in 0.8 m³ is charged as 1.2 m³ = S$165.60.
- A bulky piece: a 200 × 90 × 80 cm carton is 1.44 m³, charged as 1.5 m³ = S$207.00.
CBM by air or by sea?
On air freight, volume turns into weight: length × width × height in cm ÷ 5,000. One cubic metre counts as 200 kg, so 1 m³ by air costs S$1,700.00, against S$138.00 by Sea LCL. For anything bulky, sea is the sensible choice; air suits small, urgent or valuable parcels. The volumetric weight calculator shows the air price for your boxes.
Before you ship
- Import tax: add 9% of the value of your goods. See import tax on goods from China.
- The final volume is measured when your goods are loaded, so an estimate can move by 20–30%.
- Fragile goods: a wooden frame can be added at the warehouse, about S$40–80 per m³, confirmed once the goods arrive.
- Delivery: to your door when it fits your lift as packed; see Delivery conditions. Furniture tips are on our sea freight page.
Questions people ask
How do I calculate CBM for a carton?
Multiply length × width × height in centimetres and divide by 1,000,000. Multiply by the number of cartons. Example: 60 × 40 × 40 cm = 0.096 m³ per carton.
How many cubic feet are in 1 CBM?
About 35.31 cubic feet. One cubic foot is about 0.0283 m³.
How many kg is 1 CBM?
CBM measures space, not weight, so it depends on what's inside. For Sea LCL we charge the higher of the volume and the weight ÷ 500, so a load heavier than 500 kg per m³ is charged by weight. By air, 1 m³ counts as 200 kg.
Is there a minimum CBM for sea freight?
No. Anything up to 0.4 m³ is a flat S$90.00, and smaller loads can also go by Sea by kg from S$8.00 for 1 kg.
Why is my final CBM different from my estimate?
Packed cartons are often bigger than listed product sizes, and the final volume is measured when your goods are loaded, rounded up to 0.1 m³.