Ocean and volume
Ocean Freight W/M Calculator
This calculator applies the common ocean LCL weight-or-measure comparison between cubic meters and metric tons. Chargeable revenue tons = max(CBM, gross kg / 1,000). It follows a cited UPS Supply Chain Solutions source record captured 2026-08-12.
Compare measurement and weight revenue tons, then optionally apply a user-entered rate and minimum.
Enter shipment details
Planning result
6.8 chargeable revenue tons
- Measurement basis
- 6.8 RT
- Weight basis
- 1.85 RT
- Basis that wins
- measurement
- Optional total
- No rate entered
Common 1 CBM to 1 metric ton W/M comparison. Contract minimums, increments, and local charges vary.
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What this calculator returns
Use this ocean freight W/M calculator to compare cubic meters with metric tons and identify the larger planning revenue-ton basis for LCL cargo. It is intended for importers, exporters, and forwarders checking weight-or-measure arithmetic. An optional rate, minimum, and local-charge input can illustrate a total, but the result is not a carrier quote.
How this is calculated
The calculator treats one cubic meter as one measurement revenue ton and divides gross kilograms by 1,000 to obtain metric weight tons. It compares those two values and selects the larger as chargeable revenue tons. If a rate is entered, it multiplies the chargeable value by that rate and compares the amount with the entered minimum.
Optional local charges are added after the ocean amount. The workflow demonstrates a common 1 CBM to 1 metric ton comparison, but forwarder tariffs can use different increments, minimums, rounding, currencies, and charge components.
Chargeable revenue tons = max(CBM, gross kg / 1,000).
Variable definitions
- M
- Measurement basis in revenue tons, equal to shipment cubic meters.
- W
- Weight basis in revenue tons, equal to gross kilograms divided by 1,000.
- RT
- Chargeable revenue tons, equal to the greater of M and W.
- Amount
- Optional maximum of RT times rate or minimum charge, plus entered local charges.
Worked example
A shipment with 6.8 CBM and 1,850 kilograms has a measurement basis of 6.8 revenue tons. Its weight basis is 1,850 divided by 1,000, or 1.85 revenue tons. Because 6.8 is larger, measurement controls and chargeable volume is 6.8 RT.
At an illustrative rate of 75 per RT, the ocean amount is 510 before local charges. If an entered minimum were 600, the tool would use 600 instead. Currency, origin and destination charges, documentation, handling, and other quote terms are outside this calculation.
How to interpret the result
A measurement result means volume is the larger comparison. A weight result means the shipment has more metric tons than cubic meters. Confirm that the CBM and gross weight are measured under the forwarder rules before applying any rate.
The optional amount is intentionally unlabeled by currency because the user supplies the rate. It should be used to check arithmetic in a quote, not to predict the complete amount payable.
What to measure
Use the outside packaged dimensions as the shipment will be tendered. Include pallets, skids, cartons, wrapping, overhang, and projections. Weigh the complete packaged unit, not only its contents. When pieces differ, create a separate row or calculation for each size and weight combination.
Assumptions and limitations
Forwarders and carriers can use different minimums, increments, local charges, and contract rules. The optional amount is not a quote.
- It does not provide rates, currency conversion, sailing charges, origin charges, destination charges, duties, or taxes.
- It does not apply forwarder-specific rounding increments, minimum CBM, minimum weight, or density rules.
- It assumes the entered CBM and gross kilograms already follow the governing measurement method.
- The common comparison shown here may not match the tariff or contract for a specific shipment.
Rules and sources used
Frequently asked questions
What does W/M mean in ocean freight?
W/M means weight or measure. The billing basis compares a weight quantity with a measurement quantity and normally uses the larger under the tariff.
What is a revenue ton?
A revenue ton is a billing unit. In this common example, one cubic meter is compared with one metric ton, but contract definitions can vary.
Does the calculator provide an ocean quote?
No. Optional rate fields only illustrate arithmetic. Freight, minimums, increments, local charges, currency, and contract terms must come from the quote.
Should pallet volume be included?
Yes. Use the complete outside packaged volume tendered, including pallets, crates, overhang, and protective packaging.