Buyer decision guide
Calculate CBM for Multiple Carton Sizes
Combine mixed carton sizes into one shipment CBM, preserve each packing assumption, and prepare a freight-ready carton summary.
Open the toolPrepare a controlled input
The calculator or checklist is only as useful as the commercial and product facts entered into it.
Use this when
- A shipment contains two or more master-carton sizes.
- A supplier has revised carton dimensions after the quotation.
- You need a repeatable packing basis for freight quotations.
Inputs to collect
- Packed length, width and height for each carton group
- Number of cartons in each group
- Dimension unit used by the supplier
- Gross weight per carton when weight comparisons are also needed
Decision workflow
Keep the working basis visible so another reviewer can reproduce the conclusion.
Separate unlike cartons
Create one line for every distinct packed carton size. Keep sample, inner-box and master-carton dimensions separate.
Normalize units
Convert every dimension to the same unit before multiplying. Record whether dimensions were supplied or measured.
Calculate and reconcile
Compare the total carton count and CBM with the packing list and the freight quotation before approval.
Freeze the basis
Save the result with the packing revision so later quote changes can be traced to a changed assumption.
The output should support a decision
A line-by-line carton plan with total CBM, carton count, weights and stated assumptions.
Questions the output should answer
- Whether a freight quote uses the current packing revision
- Which carton group drives most of the shipment volume
- Whether a packaging change needs a new logistics quote
Check the failure points
- Averaging different carton dimensions
- Using retail-box dimensions instead of packed master cartons
- Mixing centimetres and inches
- Ignoring a supplier's later packaging revision