Calculate freight volume by multiplying packed length, width and height in a consistent unit system. Add the volumes of separately handled units to find the shipment’s total cube. Volume describes space; it does not tell you whether the goods are stackable or how they will fit on a vehicle floor.
This worksheet is useful before requesting pallet or boxed-freight transportation. It also provides a clear way to show the calculation to the person preparing your quote.
Use the correct conversion
| Measurements entered | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Inches | Length × width × height ÷ 1,728 | Cubic feet |
| Feet | Length × width × height | Cubic feet |
| Centimetres | Length × width × height ÷ 1,000,000 | Cubic metres |
| Metres | Length × width × height | Cubic metres |
For conversion between completed results, one cubic foot is approximately 0.02831685 cubic metres. Keep the original measurements in your record rather than repeatedly rounding and converting the same result.
Packed volume calculator
Planning arithmetic only. No rates, carrier classification or loading capacity are certified. Inputs stay in this browser. Select the unit system before entering values; changing the selection does not convert existing entries.
JavaScript is off. The formulas and worked examples below remain available.
The calculator handles a group of identically sized packed units. Use another group for a different size and add the group totals.
A mixed-size example
Suppose a shipment contains four cartons measuring 24 × 18 × 18 inches, plus two cartons measuring 30 × 20 × 20 inches. The first group occupies 4 × 4.5 = 18 cubic feet. The second occupies approximately 2 × 6.9444 = 13.8889 cubic feet. Total cube is approximately 31.89 cubic feet.
If these cartons are then secured to one pallet, quote the final palletised outside dimensions and gross weight as well. The sum of the loose carton volumes may not equal the packed pallet’s occupied envelope. Spaces between cartons and the pallet itself still occupy space.
Measure the shipment that will be collected
Measure its greatest outside length, width and height. Include wrapping, corner protection, a crate base or projections where they extend the dimensions. Do not multiply the product’s internal dimensions or use the height of an empty pallet for a loaded one.
For an irregular item, provide maximum packed dimensions and useful photographs. A rectangular envelope is a planning description, not proof that every empty space inside or around that shape is usable for other freight.
Cube and loading layout answer different questions
Two units can have the same cube but different loading requirements. A long low crate and a compact tall crate may occupy very different floor areas. Supply each unit’s measurements instead of only one total-volume number.
Use our linear-foot worksheet for the separate floor-length question, and our density calculator when you also have gross weight.
Keep the measurement sheet with the shipment request. WTM can use it to assess LTL or dedicated freight. When packaging changes after quotation, update the measurements before collection so the equipment is assessed against the goods that will actually travel.
