CFT to CBM Converter (Cubic Feet to Cubic Meters)
Convert cubic feet (CFT or CBF) to cubic meters (CBM). 1 cubic foot = 0.0283168 CBM, and 100 cubic feet = 2.83 CBM.
Cubic meters (CBM)
2.8317m³
Rule: 1 ft³ = 0.02831685 m³
How to convert CFT to CBM
To convert CFT to CBM, divide the cubic feet by 35.3147, or multiply them by 0.0283168. So 100 cubic feet is 2.83 CBM. One cubic foot is 0.3048 × 0.3048 × 0.3048 = 0.0283168 cubic meters.
Formula: CBM = CFT ÷ 35.3147 (or CFT × 0.0283168)
Example
A US supplier lists a shipment at 850 cubic feet. Your forwarder quotes in CBM: 850 ÷ 35.3147 = 24.07 CBM. That fits in a 20 ft container, which holds about 33 CBM.
CFT to CBM conversion table
| CFT (ft³) | CBM (m³) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.0283 |
| 5 | 0.1416 |
| 10 | 0.2832 |
| 20 | 0.5663 |
| 35.31 | 1.0000 |
| 50 | 1.4158 |
| 100 | 2.8317 |
| 200 | 5.6634 |
| 250 | 7.0792 |
| 300 | 8.4951 |
| 400 | 11.3267 |
| 500 | 14.1584 |
| 750 | 21.2376 |
| 1,000 | 28.3168 |
| 1,172 (inside a 20 ft container) | 33.19 |
| 2,000 | 56.6337 |
| 2,390 (inside a 40 ft container) | 67.68 |
What are CBM and CFT?
- CBM means cubic meter (m³). It is the space inside a cube 1 meter long, 1 meter wide and 1 meter high. Freight forwarders price sea freight per CBM.
- CFT means cubic feet (ft³), the space inside a cube 1 foot on each side. US and Canadian suppliers, movers and storage firms often quote in cubic feet.
- Is m³ the same as CBM? Yes. CBM, m³, cu m and "cubic meter" all mean the same unit.
- What size is 1 CBM? A box 100 × 100 × 100 cm, or about 39.4 × 39.4 × 39.4 inches. It holds 35.31 cubic feet or 1,000 liters.
CBF to CBM: is it the same?
Yes. CBF (cubic feet), CFT and cu ft are three ways of writing the same unit, so CBF to CBM uses the same factor: divide by 35.3147. You will see CBF on US moving and storage quotes and CFT on many supplier packing lists.
Cubic feet from carton sizes
If your cartons are measured in inches, cubic feet = length × width × height ÷ 1,728 (because 12 × 12 × 12 = 1,728 cubic inches in a cubic foot). A 24 × 16 × 12 inch carton is 4,608 ÷ 1,728 = 2.67 cubic feet, or 0.0755 CBM. For a full packing list with several carton sizes, the CBM calculator accepts inches and gives both units.
When you need CBM rather than CFT
International sea freight is priced per CBM, and container capacities are published in CBM, so convert before you ask for an LCL quote or compare your load with container sizes. To convert the other way, use the CBM to CFT converter.
Features
- Exact factor: 1 CFT = 0.028316846592 CBM
- Works for CFT, CBF and cu ft, which are the same unit
- Swap button to convert CBM back to CFT
- Accepts a comma or a dot as the decimal mark
Frequently asked questions
How many CBM is 1 CFT?
1 cubic foot equals 0.0283168 CBM. In other words, about 35.31 cubic feet make one cubic meter.
How do I convert CFT to CBM?
Divide cubic feet by 35.3147. For example 500 CFT ÷ 35.3147 = 14.16 CBM.
How do I convert CBF to CBM?
CBF means cubic feet, the same as CFT. Divide by 35.3147: 1,000 CBF is 28.32 CBM.
How many CBM is 100 cubic feet?
100 cubic feet is 2.83 CBM.
How many CBM is 200 cubic feet?
200 cubic feet is 5.66 CBM (200 ÷ 35.3147).
What is the CFT to CBM formula?
CBM = CFT ÷ 35.3147, or CFT × 0.0283168. Both give the same answer.
How many kg is 1 CBM?
CBM measures space, not weight, so it depends on the goods. For freight pricing, sea LCL counts 1 CBM as 1,000 kg, air cargo as 166.67 kg and express couriers as 200 kg. The dimensional weight calculator works out your chargeable weight.
How do I get cubic feet from inches?
Multiply length × width × height in inches and divide by 1,728. Then divide by 35.3147 if you need CBM.