CFT to CBM (Cubic Feet to Cubic Meters)
Convert CFT (cubic feet) to CBM (cubic meters). One cubic foot is about 0.0283 cubic meters.
1 ft³ = 0.0283 m³
cubic meters (m³)
Quick reference
How to convert cubic feet to cubic meters
To convert cubic feet to cubic meters, multiply by the conversion factor:
In freight, this conversion comes up whenever your paperwork, carrier, or marketplace quotes volume or weight in different units than you measured. Getting it right keeps your dimensions and volume consistent across every quote.
From inch measurements to CBM in two steps
Most US cargo gets measured in inches, so the practical path to CBM runs through cubic feet: multiply length × width × height in inches, divide by 1,728 to get CFT, then multiply by 0.0283168 to get CBM. A standard pallet loaded to 48 × 40 × 60 in is 115,200 in³ ÷ 1,728 = 66.67 CFT × 0.0283168 = 1.888 CBM.
If you'd rather skip the intermediate step, divide cubic inches by 61,023.74 to land on CBM directly — same answer, one operation. Either way, keep the raw dimensions; forwarders re-measure at the CFS and bill on their numbers, so you want to be able to check their math.
Why the forwarder wants CBM, not cubic feet
Ocean LCL rates are quoted per revenue ton on a weight-or-measure basis, and the "measure" side is always cubic meters. Your 100 CFT shipment is 2.832 CBM to the forwarder, and that's the figure the tariff applies to.
One consequence worth knowing: most LCL tariffs carry a 1 CBM minimum charge. Since 1 CBM is 35.31 CFT, any shipment under about 35 cubic feet bills exactly the same as one at 35 — consolidating two small shipments into one booking often costs nothing extra in freight.
Frequently asked questions
How do you convert cubic feet to cubic meters?
Multiply the number of cubic feet by 0.0283 to get cubic meters. For example, 10 ft³ = 0.2832 m³.
How many cubic meters are in one cubic feet?
One ft³ equals 0.0283 m³.
Is cft to cbm the same conversion?
Yes — cft to cbm, cbf to cbm, cuft to cbm, cubic feet to cubic meters all refer to converting cubic feet to cubic meters. The calculator above handles it instantly.
How many cubic feet make 1 CBM?
35.3147 CFT = 1 CBM. So to go from CFT to CBM you can equivalently divide by 35.3147 instead of multiplying by 0.0283168 — both give the same result.
Are CFT, cu ft, and ft³ the same unit?
Yes. CFT (common in Indian logistics), cu ft, cbf, and ft³ all mean cubic feet. Warehouse invoices, freight-class density and this converter all refer to the identical unit.