Cargo Volume Calculator for Mixed Shipments
Total the volume of crates, pallets and cartons of different sizes in m³, cubic feet and litres, with weight, density and air volumetric weight.
When a shipment mixes crates, pallets and cartons of different sizes, you need the total volume before you can choose a truck or container or ask for a freight quote. Enter one line per item size with its quantity and weight, and the calculator totals the volume in cubic metres, cubic feet and litres, along with the weight, density and air freight volumetric weight.
How to use this tool
- Choose the units for dimensions and for weights.
- Enter up to 300 lines: an optional name without numbers, then space-separated length, width, height, quantity and optional weight per piece.
- Check the item table for typing mistakes.
- Use the totals to compare with container sizes or to request quotes.
Formula
Total volume = Σ (length × width × height × quantity)
Dimensions convert to metres; 1 m³ = 35.315 ft³ = 1,000 litres. Complete weights enable density and an illustrative chargeable-weight comparison using 6,000 cm³/kg. If any weights are missing, only the known subtotal is shown; density and chargeable weight are withheld.
Example
Two crates of 120 × 80 × 150 cm (300 kg each), three pallets of 100 × 60 × 80 cm (120 kg each) and ten cartons of 50 × 40 × 40 cm (15 kg each): 2 × 1.44 + 3 × 0.48 + 10 × 0.08 = 5.12 m³, or 180.81 ft³, and 1,110 kg. The density is about 217 kg/m³ and the air volumetric weight is 853.3 kg, so by air the shipment would be charged on its actual 1,110 kg.
Frequently asked questions
How do I enter items in inches?
Choose inches for the dimensions and type them as usual, for example "Pallet 48 40 50 2 600". The totals are still shown in m³, ft³ and litres.
If the volume fits, will the cargo fit in the container?
Not necessarily. Volume is a first check; the items must also pass through the doors, stack safely and stay within the payload. Plan on loading noticeably less than the internal volume.
Why does density matter?
Density can affect the class for a density-based NMFC item. Commodity identity, handling, stowability and liability also matter; density alone does not determine every freight class or quoted price.
Can I mix metric and imperial lines?
No, every line uses the units chosen above. Convert the odd line first, or run it separately and add the totals.
Sources
Last updated: 2026-10-30