CBM to KG Converter
Convert cubic meters (CBM) to kilograms (KG) and vice versa using material density. Essential for shipping and freight cost calculations.
1 m³ × 300 kg/m³
= 0.3 metric tons
How to Convert CBM to KG
Weight (kg) = Volume (CBM) × Density (kg/m³)
To convert CBM to KG, you need to know the density of the material or cargo. Density describes how much mass is contained in a given volume. For example, 1 CBM of water weighs exactly 1,000 kg because water has a density of 1,000 kg/m³. General shipping cargo typically has a density between 150-500 kg/m³.
Common Density Reference Table
| Material | Density (kg/m³) | 1 CBM Weight |
|---|---|---|
| General Cargo | 300 | 300 kg |
| Light Cargo | 150 | 150 kg |
| Heavy Cargo | 500 | 500 kg |
| Water | 1,000 | 1,000 kg |
| Wood (average) | 600 | 600 kg |
| Steel | 7,800 | 7,800 kg |
| Aluminum | 2,700 | 2,700 kg |
| Concrete | 2,400 | 2,400 kg |
| Plastic (PET) | 1,380 | 1,380 kg |
| Paper/Cardboard | 700 | 700 kg |
| Cotton/Textiles | 350 | 350 kg |
| Electronics | 400 | 400 kg |
How do you convert CBM to KG?
Multiply the volume (CBM) by the density of the material (kg/m³). For general cargo, use 150-500 kg/m³.
Is 1 CBM always = 1000 KG?
Only for water. Each material has a different density, so 1 CBM can weigh anywhere from a few kg (foam) to 7,800 kg (steel).
What density should I use for shipping?
For general freight, 200-400 kg/m³ is common. Electronics: ~400, textiles: ~350, machinery: ~600-1000.