Cubic フィート vs Cubic メートル
Volume Measurements in Shipping and Logistics
Learn the ConversionsInternational shipping operates in a world of containers, pallets, and freight calculations where volume is as important as weight. While most of the world uses cubic meters, the United States and some other markets still rely on cubic feet. 理解する both systems—and how to convert between them—is essential for logistics professionals.
理解する the Units
Cubic Foot (ft³)
A cube measuring 1 foot (30.48 cm) on each side. Used primarily in:
- US domestic shipping
- US real estate (closet space, storage units)
- US refrigerator/freezer capacity
- HVAC calculations (CFM - cubic feet per minute)
Cubic Meter (m³)
A cube measuring 1 meter (100 cm) on each side. The international standard for:
- International freight shipping
- Container capacities (official specs)
- Scientific applications worldwide
- Most countries' domestic shipping
Conversion Table
| Cubic フィート | Cubic メートル | 一般的な用途 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ft³ | 0.028 m³ | Small box |
| 10 ft³ | 0.283 m³ | Large moving box |
| 35.3 ft³ | 1 m³ | Standard conversion |
| 100 ft³ | 2.83 m³ | Pickup truck bed |
| 500 ft³ | 14.16 m³ | Small moving container |
| 1,000 ft³ | 28.32 m³ | Small storage unit |
| 1,170 ft³ | 33.1 m³ | 20' container (usable) |
| 2,390 ft³ | 67.7 m³ | 40' container (usable) |
Shipping Container Capacities
Standard ISO shipping containers have these internal volumes:
| Container Type | Internal Volume (m³) | Internal Volume (ft³) | Typical Payload |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20' Standard | 33.1 m³ | 1,169 ft³ | ~25,000 kg |
| 40' Standard | 67.7 m³ | 2,390 ft³ | ~26,500 kg |
| 40' High Cube | 76.3 m³ | 2,694 ft³ | ~26,200 kg |
| 45' High Cube | 86.1 m³ | 3,040 ft³ | ~27,500 kg |
Note: Usable space is typically 10-15% less due to packing inefficiencies and dunnage.
Calculating Freight Volume
CBM (Cubic Meter) Calculation
Most international shipping uses CBM (Cubic Meter) for freight volume:
CBM = Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m)
Example: A pallet 1.2m × 1.0m × 1.5m high = 1.8 CBM
CFT (Cubic Foot) Calculation
US domestic freight often uses CFT (Cubic フィート):
CFT = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Height (ft)
Example: A box 2ft × 2ft × 3ft = 12 CFT
Converting from インチ or センチメートル
- 変換元 inches: Calculate ft³, then multiply by 0.0283 for m³
- 変換元 centimeters: Calculate m³ by dividing each dimension by 100
Dimensional Weight Factor
Shipping companies charge based on the greater of actual weight or dimensional (volumetric) weight. The 変換係数 varies:
| Mode | Factor (metric) | Factor (imperial) |
|---|---|---|
| Air freight (IATA) | 1 m³ = 167 kg | 1 ft³ = 10 lb |
| Sea freight (LCL) | 1 m³ = 1000 kg | 1 ft³ = 62.4 lb |
| Courier/Express | 1 m³ = 200 kg (varies) | 1 ft³ = 12 lb (varies) |
Air freight penalizes bulky shipments heavily; sea freight less so.
Common Cargo Volumes
| Cargo Type | Typical Volume (m³) | Typical Volume (ft³) |
|---|---|---|
| Euro pallet (loaded) | 1.5-2.0 m³ | 53-71 ft³ |
| Household move (1BR) | 15-20 m³ | 530-706 ft³ |
| Household move (3BR) | 40-50 m³ | 1,413-1,766 ft³ |
| Car (compact) | 8-12 m³ | 283-424 ft³ |
| Car (SUV) | 12-16 m³ | 424-565 ft³ |
Industry Terminology
- CBM: Cubic meter(s) - international standard
- CFT or cu ft: Cubic feet - US standard
- Cube: Informal term for cubic capacity
- Cubing out: When volume limit is reached before weight limit
- Weighing out: When weight limit is reached before volume limit
- Measurement ton: 1 m³ or 40 ft³ (sea freight)
- Revenue ton: Greater of weight ton or measurement ton
まとめ
In international shipping, cubic meters are the standard, while US domestic logistics often uses cubic feet. The 変換係数 of 35.315 ft³ per m³ bridges these systems. 理解する both measurements—and how they interact with weight-based pricing—helps optimize shipping costs and container utilization.