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VolumeCalcKit
Shipping & Freight

CFT to CBM Calculator

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

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Volume Unit Converter

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

cu ft
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)
100.2832283.17 L
250.7079707.92 L
501.41581,415.84 L
1002.83172,831.68 L
2005.66345,663.37 L
50014.158414,158.42 L
100028.316828,316.85 L
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)

Common Use Cases

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.

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.

  1. Obtain Total Cubic Feet (CFT): Determine total cargo volume in cubic feet (Length in feet × Width in feet × Height in feet × Quantity).
  2. Apply Conversion Factor: Divide total CFT by 35.3146667 to obtain total CBM.
  3. 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.

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 CFT are in a 20ft container?
A standard 20ft shipping container has an internal volume of 1,172 cubic feet (33.2 CBM). In practice, because carton boxes leave packing air gaps, usable capacity is typically around 990 to 1,000 CFT (28 CBM).
How many CFT are in a 40ft High Cube container?
A 40ft High Cube container has an internal volume of 2,694 cubic feet (76.3 CBM), with realistic usable packing space of approximately 2,400 CFT (68 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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