About this calculator

Calculate the rectangular outside volume occupied by a shipment before comparing freight density or space requirements. Each row represents one outside size and its identical-unit count.

Inputs

How to use this calculator

Handling unit

  1. Length (in)Measure the longest outer length, including projections.
  2. Width (in)Use the tendered width, including packaging.
  3. Height (in)Include the pallet if it is part of the handling unit.
  4. Identical unitsEnter a whole number; add a row for different dimensions.

Enter the shipment or scenario values, then select Calculate result.

Method

Formula and variables

For each row, multiply quantity × length × width × height and divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet. Add the row volumes. Cubic meters = cubic feet × 0.028316846592.

Length (in)
Measure the longest outer length, including projections.
Width (in)
Use the tendered width, including packaging.
Height (in)
Include the pallet if it is part of the handling unit.
Identical units
Enter a whole number; add a row for different dimensions.

Interpret the result

Total cubic feet and cubic meters include each row quantity once. They describe the shipment’s outside volume, not dimensional weight or space a carrier has reserved or will bill for.

Outputs: Total cubic feet and cubic meters by handling-unit row

Uses rectangular outer envelopes. This is physical shipment cube, not a carrier’s dimensional weight, reserved space, or billable volume. Irregular loads need the correct outer envelope.

Worked example

Check the arithmetic

This example uses the starting values shown above. The arithmetic below is calculated independently of the interactive result.

Work through the calculation

  1. One unit: 48 × 40 × 45 = 86,400 in³; 86,400 ÷ 1,728 = 50 ft³.
  2. Two units: 2 × 50 = 100 ft³.
  3. Cubic meters = 100 × 0.028316846592 = 2.8316846592 m³, displayed as 2.831685 m³.

Compare the displayed result

Expected displayed result: 100 ft³

FAQs

Can I use this cube as a chargeable weight?

No. Chargeable weight needs an applicable divisor, minimum and rounding basis. The volume result supplies a physical measurement for that separate task.

Example inputs and options

Starting values are examples unless a field identifies a dated rule. Unit selectors convert only fields marked for conversion. Rates and model options keep the units and basis shown in their labels.

Length (in)
Example: 48
Width (in)
Example: 40
Height (in)
Example: 45
Identical units
Example: 2