How do I calculate CBM?

CBM is cubic metres: length × width × height in metres. A carton of 0.6 m × 0.5 m × 0.4 m is 0.12 CBM. Multiply by the number of identical cartons for the total volume, and use the pallet count alongside it, because racking and floor space are allocated by pallet position as well as by volume.

Why does custody pricing use CBM instead of shelf space?

Volume is the only measure that compares a pallet of laptops with a rack of servers or a stack of empty cartons. Pricing by CBM and pallet position means you pay for what the assets actually displace, which is why this calculator asks for both.

Is CBM the same as volumetric weight?

No, and the difference costs money on freight. Volumetric weight converts CBM into a chargeable mass using a carrier divisor, so a light but bulky shipment is billed on volume. Storage charges the space; transport charges the greater of the two.

What does this estimate not include?

Cartonising is excluded, because the charge depends on carton size and that is quoted per requirement. Anything outside the published rate card, such as bespoke crating, is scoped in the same conversation.

New · Online tool

CBM calculator
for asset custody.

Work out the volume your technology assets occupy and what custody, handling and value-added services cost. Add only what you need and the total updates as you type.

01 · Volume

Custody volume

Storage volumeCBMStorage durationDaysPallet storagePalletsPallet storage durationDays

02 · Movement

Handling in & out

Palletized inbound

Charging basis

Per CBMPer pallet

Inbound volumecbm

Palletized outbound

Charging basis

Per CBMPer pallet

Outbound volumecbm

Loose inboundCBMLoose outboundCBMInbound transactionsQty

The inbound minimum is automatically applied per transaction where required.

03 · Services

Value-added services

Cord strappingPalletsShrink wrappingPalletsLabels / stickersLabelsInner carton / piece picksPiecesMaster carton picksPiecesPallets requiredPalletsPalletisationPalletsInventory managementMonthsOutbound order processingLists

Cartonising is not included in this estimate because the charge depends on carton size. Ask our team to quote it for your requirement.

How to calculate CBM for technology assets

One CBM is one cubic metre of space: a box one metre wide, one deep and one high. Measure each dimension in metres and multiply them. The result is what the asset displaces, which is what custody is priced on.

The formula

L × W × H (metres) × quantity = total CBM

A pallet of 20 cartons measuring 0.6 × 0.5 × 0.4 m each: 0.12 CBM per carton, 2.4 CBM for the pallet. Rounded up to 2.5 CBM in practice, because cartons do not stack with zero waste and the overhang is not free.

Volume is only half the estimate. Floor space and racking are allocated by pallet position, so a shipment of loose 0.12 CBM cartons and the same goods stacked on one pallet occupy different space and cost different money to move. That is why the calculator takes CBM and pallets separately, and prices inbound and outbound handling on either basis.

Custody volume is also the number that ties storage decisions back to the asset register. An idle pallet position is a purchase you have already made and are still paying to keep, which is what inventory visibility exists to surface.

What the estimate covers

Custody volume, per CBM or per pallet position, per period.
Palletised and loose handling on the way in and the way out.
Value-added work: strapping, shrink wrapping, labelling, picking lists.
Inventory management, priced by month.

Figures are indicative and built from the published rate card. A requirement that needs crating, staging or on-site deployment is scoped with a specialist.

What changes once it is in custody

The same volume stops being a cost line and starts being available stock. Every asset is scanned on intake, held ready to deploy, and visible by status and location. See Secure Asset Custody or the definition of technology asset custody .

Talk to an Asset Specialist

CBM questions, answered

How do I calculate CBM?: CBM is cubic metres: length × width × height in metres. A carton of 0.6 m × 0.5 m × 0.4 m is 0.12 CBM. Multiply by the number of identical cartons for the total volume, and use the pallet count alongside it, because racking and floor space are allocated by pallet position as well as by volume.
Why does custody pricing use CBM instead of shelf space?: Volume is the only measure that compares a pallet of laptops with a rack of servers or a stack of empty cartons. Pricing by CBM and pallet position means you pay for what the assets actually displace, which is why this calculator asks for both.
Is CBM the same as volumetric weight?: No, and the difference costs money on freight. Volumetric weight converts CBM into a chargeable mass using a carrier divisor, so a light but bulky shipment is billed on volume. Storage charges the space; transport charges the greater of the two.
What does this estimate not include?: Cartonising is excluded, because the charge depends on carton size and that is quoted per requirement. Anything outside the published rate card, such as bespoke crating, is scoped in the same conversation.