Cargo volume calculator: CBM, pallet spaces and LDM online
Add boxes and packages of different sizes — the calculator sums them into total volume in cubic metres (CBM), converts it to pallet spaces and loading metres (LDM), and shows how much of a truck or sea container your cargo takes. Free, no sign-up.
All dimensions are in centimetres, results in m³. Nothing is sent anywhere: the calculation runs entirely in your browser.
Got the volume — now get a freight quote. The team (your company could be here) will price LCL or container delivery for your dimensions and route.
Get a shipping quotethis button is for saleHow to use the calculator
Add every cargo position as a separate line: length, width, height in centimetres and the number of identical pieces. Boxes can be of any different sizes — the calculator adds them up. For non-rectangular items (pipes, drums, bags) enter the dimensions of the bounding box: carriers rate cargo by its outermost points.
What it calculates
Volume in cubic metres (CBM)
The base formula is length × width × height per box, multiplied by quantity and summed across all positions. CBM is the key figure for LCL freight: it drives both the rate and the space your cargo takes.
Pallet spaces
A pallet space is the footprint of a standard EUR pallet (120×80 cm) with cargo. It is the common language between you, the warehouse and the carrier.
Loading metres (LDM)
One LDM equals one metre of trailer length across its full width and height. LDM is used for cargo that cannot be stacked. Most online calculators skip LDM — this one does not.
Truck and container fill
The calculator instantly shows what share of a standard mega trailer (~86–92 m³) and of 20'/40' sea containers your cargo occupies — handy to decide between LCL and a dedicated unit.
Which truck to choose
The calculator works for one specific truck, not for trucks in general. Pick it in the dark panel on the right — from a curtainsider down to a panel van. Two numbers change with it: loading metres and how many pallets fit.
Why loading metres depend on the truck
A loading metre is one metre of floor length across the full width of the body. A curtainsider is 2.45 m wide inside, a panel van only 1.80 m. The same cargo takes more metres in the van simply because the body is narrower. An LDM figure quoted without naming the vehicle means nothing — take the dimensions from your carrier, or from the table below.
Cargo height does not change loading metres: the calculation uses floor area. Stacking is not counted — if your boxes go on top of each other, the real figure will be lower.
Your own truck
If your truck is not in the list, type the body dimensions into the light box under the results. Measure inside the loading compartment, not outside: the overall length of the vehicle includes the cab and the overhangs, which carry nothing. The dimensions stay in your browser, so next time your truck is selected straight away.
Trucks in the calculator
| Truck | Body (L × W × H) | Payload | Pallets 1200×800 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curtainsider | 13.6 × 2.45 × 2.7 m | 24 t | 33 |
| Jumbo road train | 16 × 2.5 × 3 m | 24 t | 39 |
| Rigid 12 t | 7.5 × 2.45 × 2.45 m | 6 t | 18 |
| Rigid 7.5 t | 6.2 × 2.4 × 2.4 m | 3 t | 15 |
| Luton 3.5 t | 4.3 × 2.1 × 2.2 m | 1.2 t | 6 |
| Panel van | 3.3 × 1.8 × 1.9 m | 1 t | 4 |
Figures are typical — a particular carrier’s body differs by a few centimetres. For an exact result, ask for the body dimensions and enter them under “Your own truck”.
Reference dimensions
| Unit | Internal dimensions | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| EUR pallet | 120 × 80 cm | ~1.5–2 m³ with cargo up to 180 cm |
| Mega trailer | 13.6 × 2.45 × 2.7 m | ~86–92 m³ · 33 pallets · 13.6 LDM |
| 20' container | 5.9 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | ~33 m³ · 11 pallets |
| 40' container | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | ~67 m³ · 25 pallets |
| 40' HC container | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m | ~76 m³ · 25 pallets |
| Industrial pallet | 120 × 100 cm | ~2–2.5 m³ · 0.4 LDM |
| Road train | ~16 m loading length | ~120 m³ · 38 pallets · 16 LDM |
FAQ
How do I calculate CBM manually?
Multiply length × width × height of one box in metres to get its volume in cubic metres. A 60×40×40 cm box is 0.6 × 0.4 × 0.4 = 0.096 m³. Multiply by quantity and sum across sizes — the calculator above does exactly that.
What is LDM (loading metre)?
One metre of trailer length across its full width and height. Non-stackable cargo is rated in LDM because it consumes the entire cross-section. 1 LDM ≈ 2 pallet spaces ≈ 6–7 m³.
Does the calculator handle weight?
Chargeable (volumetric) weight differs by carrier and mode. For air freight use our volumetric weight calculator; for exact pricing pass your CBM to a carrier.
Is my cargo data sent anywhere?
No. The widget is a script that runs entirely in your browser — dimensions and results are not transmitted or stored.
Why do carriers measure the bounding box?
Because inside the trailer the outermost points decide, not the actual shape. A pipe 3 m long and 20 cm across takes the same slot as a 300 × 20 × 20 cm crate. So for pipes, drums and sacks enter the dimensions of the box that encloses them.
What do stackable and non-stackable mean?
Stackable cargo may be placed on top of each other, and then volume is what counts. Non-stackable cargo occupies its floor area over the full height, which is why it is billed in loading metres. The calculator deliberately assumes no stacking and gives you the safe, worst case.
Why does the LDM change when I pick a different truck?
Loading metres are measured across the width of the body you chose. A curtainsider is 2.45 m wide, a panel van 1.80 m, so the same cargo takes more metres in the van. That is why an LDM figure is always quoted together with the vehicle.
My truck is not in the list — what do I do?
Type the length, width and height of the body into the light box under the results. The calculator recomputes loading metres, pallet spaces and fill straight away, and keeps the dimensions in your browser.
Do I enter the body or the whole vehicle?
The body only, measured inside. The overall vehicle length includes the cab and the overhangs, which carry no cargo. Using it inflates both the loading metres and the pallet count.