CBM Calculator for China → Australia
Work out the cubic metres of your shipment, the LCL cost per CBM to Australia and how many cartons fit in a 20ft or 40ft container — already pre-loaded with a sample China-to-Australia booking.
Key takeaways
- LCL from China to Australia runs roughly $80–150 /CBM in 2026 example rates.
- Chargeable volume is the greater of CBM and weight/1000 (W/M rule).
- Australian imports attract GST (10%) on the landed value, separate from freight.
- A 20ft box holds about 28 CBM usable; a 40ft HC about 68 CBM.
LCL rates: China to Australia
Example 2026 ranges — confirm the live number with your forwarder.
| Lane | Example rate | Typical minimum |
|---|---|---|
| China → Australia (Sydney / Melbourne) | $80–150 /CBM | ~$100 /shipment |
| Rates move with fuel, peak-season and customs surcharges. Treat them as planning bands, not a quote. | ||
The calculator below is pre-set to the Australia lane at ~$110/CBM with a $100 minimum. Type your forwarder's rate in the custom field to model your real booking.
Worked example — 50 cartons to Australia
Each carton 60 × 40 × 40 cm, 18 kg.
| Step | Result |
|---|---|
| Per-carton volume | 0.6 × 0.4 × 0.4 = 0.096 m³ |
| Total volume (× 50) | 4.80 CBM |
| Total weight (× 50) | 900 kg → 0.90 CBM-equivalent |
| Chargeable volume (W/M rule) | 4.80 CBM (volume wins) |
| LCL cost @ $110/CBM | 4.80 × 110 = $528 |
| 20ft container fill | 4.80 / 28 ≈ 17% used |
Because the cargo is light for its size, the carrier bills on volume (CBM), not weight — that is the W/M rule. At 4.8 CBM, LCL is the right call; a full container only pays off above roughly 15 CBM. Australian GST (10%) lands on top of this freight at the border.
China → Australia shipping FAQs
The freight questions before you book.
How much is LCL shipping from China to Australia per CBM?+
Example 2026 rates run about $80–150 /CBM (e.g. Sydney/Melbourne), often with a minimum charge around $100 per shipment. These are illustrations only — your forwarder quotes the live rate, which shifts with fuel and peak surcharges.
Does the CBM calculator include Australian GST?+
No — this tool sizes the freight. Australian GST (10%) is charged on the landed value (goods + freight + duty) at the border and is usually reclaimable if you're registered for GST. Our Import Duty guide covers landed cost.
CBM or weight — which does the carrier charge on?+
On LCL the carrier charges the greater of CBM or weight in tonnes (weight/1000) under the W/M rule — bulky cargo pays on volume, dense cargo on weight.
How many CBM fit in a container to Australia?+
A 20ft holds roughly 28 CBM usable, a 40ft about 58 CBM, and a 40ft High Cube about 68 CBM. Plan your carton count against the usable figure.
Calculate your China → Australia shipment
Pre-set to sea / LCL, Australia lane, 50 sample cartons. Change anything and the CBM, cost and container fill update.
CBM Calculator
Rates are example ranges for planning only. LCL is billed on the greater of volume (1 CBM = 1,000 kg) and weight — the W/M rule. Confirm the firm quote with your freight forwarder.
Container counts are theoretical stacking estimates at the load factor above. Real loading usually runs 80–90% after pallets and carton shape. LCL costs are planning estimates only. Confirm both with your freight forwarder before booking.
More CBM Calculator guides
Sources & further reading
Disclaimer
SellHandy isn't a freight forwarder. The rates shown are example 2026 planning bands gathered from public sources, not a quote — your forwarder's booking confirmation sets the real number. CBM, W/M and container figures are calculated exactly; the dollar amounts are estimates to plan with. This tool sizes freight only and does not include Australian GST or duty.