Shipping & Freight

CFT to CBM Calculator

Convert cubic feet (CFT) to cubic meters (CBM) or CBM to CFT instantly with standard SI conversion factors.

Volume Unit Converter

Convert cubic feet (CFT) to cubic meters (CBM) or vice versa for freight and cargo.

Cubic Feet (CFT / ft³)

cu ft

Decimal Precision

Conversion Result

Total CBM (Cubic Meters)

2.8317 m³

100 cu ft ÷ 35.3147 = 2.8317 m³ (CBM)

Equivalent Liquid Capacity

2,831.68 Liters

≈ 748.05 US Gallons

Quick CFT to CBM Table

Cubic Feet (CFT)	Cubic Meters (CBM)	Liters (L)
10	0.2832	283.17 L
25	0.7079	707.92 L
50	1.4158	1,415.84 L
100	2.8317	2,831.68 L
200	5.6634	5,663.37 L
500	14.1584	14,158.42 L
1000	28.3168	28,316.85 L

How to Convert Cubic Feet (CFT) to Cubic Meters (CBM)

In global logistics, freight forwarding, and international commerce, volume is frequently stated in either Cubic Feet (CFT / ft³) or Cubic Meters (CBM / m³). To convert cubic feet to cubic meters, divide your cubic feet measurement by 35.3147.

Obtain Total Cubic Feet (CFT): Determine total cargo volume in cubic feet (Length in feet × Width in feet × Height in feet × Quantity).
Apply Conversion Factor: Divide total CFT by 35.3146667 to obtain total CBM.
Reverse Conversion (CBM to CFT): To convert cubic meters back to cubic feet, multiply your CBM figure by 35.3147.

Need to calculate carton dimensions directly from cm or inches? Use our dedicated CBM Calculator or evaluate full container fit with the Container CBM Calculator.

CFT to CBM Conversion Formulas

Cubic Feet to Cubic Meters (CFT → CBM):CBM = CFT ÷ 35.3146667Or multiply by 0.02831685

Cubic Meters to Cubic Feet (CBM → CFT):CFT = CBM × 35.3146667Exact standard SI factor

Derivation: Since 1 meter = 3.2808399 feet, (1 m)³ = (3.2808399 ft)³ = 35.3146667 ft³.

Worked Example: Converting an LCL Shipment from CFT to CBM

Scenario: A US domestic supplier quotes an export consignment at 176.57 cubic feet (CFT). The international freight forwarder requires the volume in cubic meters (CBM) to issue an ocean bill of lading.

1. Start with consignment volume: 176.57 CFT

2. Divide by conversion factor 35.3147:

176.57 ÷ 35.3146667 = 5.0000 m³ (CBM)

3. Liquid equivalent: 5.0 CBM × 1,000 = 5,000 Liters (1,320.86 US Gallons)

Units and Measurement Conversions

CFT to CBM Conversion Table

Cubic Feet (CFT)	Cubic Meters (CBM)	Liters	US Gallons
1 CFT	0.0283 CBM	28.32 L	7.48 gal
10 CFT	0.2832 CBM	283.17 L	74.81 gal
35.3147 CFT	1.0000 CBM	1,000.00 L	264.17 gal
50 CFT	1.4158 CBM	1,415.84 L	374.03 gal
100 CFT	2.8317 CBM	2,831.68 L	748.05 gal
500 CFT	14.1584 CBM	14,158.42 L	3,740.26 gal
1,000 CFT	28.3168 CBM	28,316.85 L	7,480.52 gal

Practical Notes & Guidelines

Shipping Documentation: North American road carriers (LTL freight) traditionally price in cubic feet (CFT), whereas international ocean container lines and European freight forwarders price in cubic meters (CBM). Always clarify billing units prior to booking.

Related Tools: Calculate raw box dimensions with our Cubic Feet Calculator, convert metric volumes with our Cubic Meter Calculator, or compute air cargo volumetric weight on our Volumetric Weight Calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert CFT to CBM?▼

To convert cubic feet (CFT) to cubic meters (CBM), divide the cubic feet value by 35.3147 (or multiply by 0.0283168). For example, 100 CFT divided by 35.3147 equals 2.8317 CBM.

How many CFT are in 1 CBM?▼

There are approximately 35.3147 cubic feet (CFT) in 1 cubic meter (CBM).

How many CBM are in 100 CFT?▼

100 cubic feet equals 2.8317 CBM (100 ÷ 35.3147 = 2.8317 m³).

Is CFT the same as cubic feet?▼

Yes. CFT is the standard commercial acronym for cubic feet (ft³), widely used in freight logistics, timber trade, construction, and air conditioning capacity.

Why are CBM and CFT used in shipping?▼

CBM and CFT quantify physical space occupied inside shipping containers, trucks, and cargo holds. Carriers compare volume against actual gross weight to charge whichever is higher (Revenue Ton).

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Calculate shipment CBM from carton length, width, height and quantity. Enter dimensions in cm, mm, meters, inches or feet and get total cubic meters and cubic feet instantly.

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