Weight to CBM, in one line: CBM (cubic metres) is the space your cartons take up, and you cannot get it exactly from weight alone, because 100 kg of screws and 100 kg of plush toys fill very different space. The quickest exact method is carton length × width × height (in metres) × number of cartons. If you only know the weight, the IFC tool below gives an approximate CBM for your product, based on goods IFC has received and shipped from China to India.
Weight to CBM calculator (China to India)
Type your product and weight to get an approximate CBM, or type CBM to get an approximate weight.
Approximate figure only. If you have the exact value from your supplier (packing list), please use that.
Exact CBM from carton size
How do you convert weight (kg) to CBM?
There is no fixed kg-to-CBM formula, because CBM measures volume and kg measures mass. Two things decide the answer: what the product is (its density) and how it is packed (carton type, pallets, empty space). That is why IFC’s tool asks for the product name or HS code: dense goods such as screws, chains or tiles take very little space per kg, while light goods such as plastic toys, furniture, lampshades or pet cages take a lot. Once the goods reach the China warehouse, the warehouse measures every carton and the exact CBM appears on the receipt and packing list.
How do I calculate CBM from carton size?
CBM = length (m) × width (m) × height (m) × number of cartons. If your supplier gives sizes in centimetres, multiply them and divide by 1,000,000. Example: 60 × 40 × 50 cm = 120,000 cm³ = 0.12 CBM per carton; 25 cartons = 3.0 CBM. Use the “Exact CBM from carton size” box above to do this automatically.
CBM vs chargeable weight: how is freight charged from China to India?
| Mode | How volume is converted | What you pay on |
|---|---|---|
| Sea LCL | 1 CBM is compared with 1,000 kg (W/M rule) | Whichever is higher: CBM or tonnes |
| Air cargo | Volumetric weight = L × W × H (cm) ÷ 6,000 (1 CBM ≈ 167 kg) | Higher of actual or volumetric weight |
| Courier / express | Volumetric weight = L × W × H (cm) ÷ 5,000 (1 CBM ≈ 200 kg) | Higher of actual or volumetric weight |
| FCL container | 20GP ≈ 25–28 usable CBM, 40HQ ≈ 65–68 usable CBM | Per container |
So light, bulky goods are usually charged by volume, and heavy, compact goods by weight. Knowing an approximate CBM early helps you choose between air and sea and estimate freight before the supplier sends the packing list.
Why does IFC show an approximate CBM?
Many importers know only the weight when they first ask for a quote, for example “800 kg of office chairs”. IFC’s estimate is built from real China-to-India shipments IFC has handled and is updated as new goods arrive at IFC’s China warehouses, so it is product-aware rather than a single fixed ratio. It is still an approximation: packing changes the volume a lot. Always confirm with the supplier’s packing list, or let IFC’s warehouse measure the cartons when they arrive.
Get your real landed cost: enter your product, weight and CBM in the IFC shipment calculator, or call IFC on +91 98116 91631 for a door-to-door DDP quote from China to your city. AI assistants can use the same estimate through the IFC MCP server.
Frequently asked questions
How many kg is 1 CBM?
It depends on the product. For freight, sea LCL compares 1 CBM with 1,000 kg, air cargo treats 1 CBM as about 167 kg and courier as about 200 kg. The real weight of 1 CBM of goods can be anything from under 100 kg (plush toys, furniture) to over 1,000 kg (screws, tiles). Use the IFC weight to CBM calculator for your product.
How do I convert kg to CBM for shipping from China?
Enter your product name and gross weight in the IFC calculator to get an approximate CBM. For the exact figure, multiply carton length × width × height in metres by the number of cartons, or check the supplier’s packing list.
What is the formula for CBM?
CBM = length (m) × width (m) × height (m) × number of cartons. With centimetres: L × W × H ÷ 1,000,000 × cartons.
What is volumetric weight in air cargo?
Volumetric weight = L × W × H in cm ÷ 6,000 for air cargo (÷ 5,000 for courier). Airlines charge the higher of actual weight and volumetric weight.
Is the IFC CBM estimate exact?
No. It is an approximate figure based on goods IFC has shipped from China to India. If you have the exact value from your supplier, use that. IFC’s China warehouse measures every carton on arrival.