CBM to CFT Converter
Convert cubic meters (CBM) to cubic feet (CFT) for freight quotes and container planning. 1 CBM = 35.3147 CFT.
Cubic feet (CFT)
35.3147ft³
Rule: 1 m³ = 35.31466672 ft³
How to convert CBM to CFT
To convert CBM to CFT, multiply the number of cubic meters by 35.3147. One cubic meter equals 35.3147 cubic feet, because one foot is exactly 0.3048 meters and 0.3048³ = 0.0283168 m³.
Formula: CFT = CBM × 35.3147
Example
A forwarder quotes your shipment as 12.5 CBM and your US customer asks for cubic feet: 12.5 × 35.3147 = 441.43 CFT.
CBM to CFT conversion table
| CBM (m³) | CFT (ft³) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 | 3.53 |
| 0.5 | 17.66 |
| 1 | 35.31 |
| 2 | 70.63 |
| 5 | 176.57 |
| 10 | 353.15 |
| 15 | 529.72 |
| 25 | 882.87 |
| 33.2 (20 ft container) | 1,172.45 |
| 67.7 (40 ft container) | 2,390.80 |
| 76.3 (40 ft high cube) | 2,694.51 |
Where CBM and CFT are used
Most of the world quotes sea freight, warehouse space and container capacity in CBM. Cubic feet are common in the United States, in some furniture and moving trades, and on older Asian supplier quotes, where CFT is often written as "cu ft" or "CBF" (cubic feet). They are the same unit: CFT and CBF both mean cubic feet. To go the other way, use the CFT to CBM converter.
Working out CBM before you convert
If you have carton sizes rather than a total volume, use the CBM calculator first: it adds up every carton line and shows both CBM and cubic feet. You can also calculate cubic feet directly from inches: length × width × height in inches ÷ 1,728.
Common mistakes
- Using 35 or 35.5 as the factor. On a 60 CBM load, 35 instead of 35.3147 understates the volume by about 19 cubic feet.
- Converting square measures. CBM is volume. Square meters to square feet uses 10.7639, which is a different conversion.
- Mixing gross and net. Convert the packed (gross) volume, which is what the carrier measures.
Features
- Exact factor: 1 CBM = 35.3146667 CFT
- Swap button to convert CFT back to CBM
- Up to 8 decimal places for small parcels
- Accepts a comma or a dot as the decimal mark
Frequently asked questions
How many CFT are in 1 CBM?
1 CBM equals 35.3147 cubic feet (CFT). The exact figure is 35.3146667, because a foot is exactly 0.3048 meters.
What is the formula to convert CBM to CFT?
Multiply CBM by 35.3147. For example 4 CBM × 35.3147 = 141.26 CFT.
How many cubic feet is a 40 ft container?
A standard 40 ft container has about 67.7 CBM of inside volume, which is about 2,390 cubic feet. A 40 ft high cube has about 76.3 CBM, or about 2,695 cubic feet.
Is CFT the same as CBF?
Yes. CFT, CBF and cu ft all mean cubic feet. Suppliers and forwarders use the abbreviations interchangeably.
How do I convert CFT back to CBM?
Divide cubic feet by 35.3147, or multiply by 0.0283168. 100 CFT is 2.83 CBM.