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 — get a freight quote. The BTRANS team will price LCL or container shipping for your dimensions and route.
Get a quote at BTRANSHow 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.
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 BTRANS.
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.
Embed this calculator on your site
The widget is free to embed on any logistics blog, warehouse or store page. Copy two lines:
<div id="acm-cargo-calc"
data-brand="CoolVolume"
data-brand-url="https://coolvolume.com/en/"></div>
<script src="https://coolvolume.com/widgets/cargo-calc.en.js?v=ng4" defer></script>
Responsive, theme configurable via data-theme.
The only condition — keep the source link.