Free Household Goods Moving Volume Calculator
Planning an international or domestic move? Our free moving calculator helps you estimate your shipment volume in cubic meters (m³) and cubic feet (ft³). Get a precise size estimate for your household goods to receive more accurate quotes from moving companies in the UAE and worldwide.
Your Estimated Volume
Your total volume is displayed in both cubic meters (m³) and cubic feet (ft³).
0.00
in Cubic Meters (m³)
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in Cubic Feet (ft³)
Average Moving Volumes in Dubai (Estimates)
| Property Type | Estimated Volume (CBM) | Recommended Container |
|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | 8 - 12 CBM | Shared Container (LCL) |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | 15 - 20 CBM | 20ft Container |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | 25 - 30 CBM | Requires 20ft or Shared 40ft |
| 3-Bedroom Villa | 45 - 60 CBM | Requires 40ft Container |
Do I Need a 20ft or 40ft Container?
Understanding your volume result from our CBM calculator is key to choosing the right shipping container and saving money. Here’s a simple guide:
- Groupage / LCL (Shared Container): If your total volume is under 13 CBM, a shared container is your most cost-effective option. You only pay for the space you use.
- 20ft Container: This holds approximately 33 CBM. It's the perfect size for the contents of a typical 1 or 2-bedroom apartment. If your household goods volume is between 15 and 30 CBM, this is your best choice.
- 40ft Container: This holds approximately 67 CBM. It is ideal for a larger 3-4 bedroom villa, or if you are planning to ship a car along with your household goods.
For a detailed comparison, see our expert guide on Shared vs. Full Container Shipping.
How to Calculate CBM for Shipping
Our household goods volume calculator does the work for you, but understanding the formula is useful. CBM stands for Cubic Meter, the standard unit of volume in the shipping industry.
The formula is straightforward: Length (in meters) x Width (in meters) x Height (in meters) = Volume in CBM.
Sea Freight vs. Air Freight: Volume vs. Volumetric Weight
It's crucial to know that sea and air freight are priced differently:
- Sea Freight (what this calculator is for): You are charged based on the actual volume your goods occupy (CBM).
- Air Freight: You are charged based on "Volumetric Weight." Airlines use a formula to determine this, typically (L x W x H in cm) / 5000. They will charge you based on whichever is higher: the actual weight or the volumetric weight.