CBM to CFT Converter

This CBM to CFT converter changes a volume in cubic metres (CBM, also written m³) into cubic feet (CFT, also written ft³). It also converts in the reverse direction, from cubic feet to cubic metres. The tool runs in your browser, is free, and needs no account or sign-up.

Use it when you need to turn a shipping or storage volume from one unit into the other. Enter a value, pick a direction, and the result appears with its litres, cubic inches and cubic yards. The page also has two reference tables of common volumes, so you can check typical values without typing anything.

How to use the CBM to CFT converter

1. Open the Convert menu. Choose “Cubic metres (CBM) to cubic feet (CFT)” to convert CBM to CFT, or “Cubic feet (CFT) to cubic metres (CBM)” for the reverse.
2. Type your number into the Volume field. Decimals are fine, for example 2.75 or 0.096 m³ for one carton.
3. Or click a preset button: “1 m³”, “76.4 m³ (40 ft HC)”, “33.2 m³ (20 ft GP)”, or “1,000 ft³ to m³”.
4. Read the Result. Below it you will see Litres, Cubic inches, Cubic yards, the conversion factor used and the reverse factor.
5. Look under the result at How it was calculated to see each step with your numbers, then check the two tables of common volumes below it for quick reference values.
6. Read the note under the result. It says the figures are estimates, so confirm rates, rules and limits with your carrier, broker or the applicable regulation before you rely on them.

Click Print / save result to get a one-page sheet with your inputs, results, calculation steps and the date. Save it as a PDF from the print dialog. Copy link copies a link that reopens the same inputs, and the page address keeps your inputs after any change. Reset restores the example values.

How many cubic feet are in 1 CBM?

One cubic metre (1 CBM, or 1 m³) equals 35.3147 cubic feet (CFT, or ft³). The factor is exact, because it follows from the length of the foot: 1 ft = 0.3048 m, so 1 ft³ = 0.3048³ m³ = 0.028316846592 m³, and its inverse gives 1 m³ = 35.3146667 ft³.

Think of a cube that is one metre on each side. Its volume is 1 × 1 × 1 = 1 m³, and it holds about 35.3 cubic feet. The tool’s first calculation step shows this: 1 m³ × 35.314666721 ft³ per m³ = 35.3147 ft³.

How do you convert CFT to CBM?

To convert CFT to CBM, divide the number of cubic feet by 35.3147. You can also multiply by 0.0283168, which is the reverse factor, since 1 ft³ = 0.028316847 m³.

For example, 1,000 ft³ ÷ 35.3147 = 28.3168 m³. The same answer comes from 1,000 × 0.0283168 = 28.3168 m³. This is the case behind the “1,000 ft³ to m³” preset button.

Work in the same direction every time. Dividing by 35.3147 goes from cubic feet to cubic metres, and multiplying by 35.3147 goes from cubic metres to cubic feet.

Is CBF the same as CFT?

Yes. CBF and CFT both mean cubic feet, so a CBF to CBM conversion uses the same factors as a CFT to CBM conversion. A CBM to CBF conversion uses the same factor as a CBM to CFT conversion.

CBM always means cubic metres. Only the cubic feet label varies between sources, and the number stays the same. The tool’s cubic feet option handles both labels.

How many litres are in a CBM?

One cubic metre holds 1,000 litres. A litre is one cubic decimetre (10 cm on each side), and a cubic metre is 10 × 10 × 10 = 1,000 cubic decimetres.

The same volume is also 61,023.7 cubic inches and 1.30795 cubic yards, which the tool shows as 1.308 yd³. So 1 m³ = 1,000 L = 61,023.7 in³ = 1.308 yd³. The Litres, Cubic inches and Cubic yards lines in the result display these values for whatever volume you enter.

Cubic feet are also written cu ft or cuft, so “convert cuft to CBM” is the same calculation as CFT to CBM, and “CBM in liter” is simply 1,000 litres per cubic metre.

Sources

Data and rules used by this tool (checked October 2026):

• NIST Special Publication 811, conversion factors
• SeaCube Containers, product spec sheets (20 ft, 40 ft, high cube, reefer)

Frequently asked questions

What is the formula to convert CBM to CFT?

Multiply the volume in cubic metres by 35.3147 to get cubic feet. The result is in ft³, which is the same unit as CFT.

How much is one cubic foot in CBM?

One cubic foot is 0.0283168 cubic metres (exactly 0.028316846592 m³). Enter 1 in the CFT to CBM option to see the figure in the result.

How many cubic feet is a 20 ft container?

A 20 ft general purpose (GP) container has a published capacity of 33.2 m³ (SeaCube spec sheet), which is about 1,172 ft³. Use the “33.2 m³ (20 ft GP)” preset to see the conversion.

How many cubic feet is a 40 ft high cube container?

A 40 ft high cube (HC) container has a published capacity of 76.4 m³ (SeaCube spec sheet), which is about 2,698 ft³. Use the “76.4 m³ (40 ft HC)” preset to see the conversion.

Does this tool convert CBM to ft3?

Yes. ft³ is the symbol for cubic feet, the same unit as CFT. Choose “Cubic metres (CBM) to cubic feet (CFT)” from the Convert menu.

Can I use the results on invoices and shipping plans?

Yes. Results may be used in commercial work such as quotes, invoices and shipping plans without attribution. The conversion itself is exact, but the note under the result still applies: confirm rates, rules and limits with your carrier, broker or the applicable regulation.

Are the converted numbers exact?

The conversion factor is exact, based on 1 ft = 0.3048 m. The displayed figures are rounded, for example 35.3147 ft³ for 1 m³. Use the full value shown in the result when precision matters.

Related tools

• CBM calculator: use it to work out cubic metres from length, width and height.
• CBM to kg calculator: use it when you need to estimate weight from a volume in cubic metres.
• Cubic feet calculator for shipping: use it to measure cargo volume in cubic feet for shipping.
• Dimensional weight calculator: use it to find the dimensional weight of a parcel.
• Chargeable weight calculator: use it to compare actual and volumetric weight to find the chargeable weight.
• Freight class calculator: use it to find the freight class for a shipment.