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Field note5 min read

How to Calculate Cubic Feet for Shipping

Multiply length, width, and height after converting every dimension to the same unit.

From inches to cubic feet

One cubic foot contains 12 × 12 × 12, or 1,728, cubic inches. A 24 × 18 × 12 inch carton is 5,184 cubic inches, which equals 3 cubic feet.

FORMULA
Cubic feet = Length(in) × Width(in) × Height(in) ÷ 1,728

Include every identical carton

FORMULA
Shipment ft³ = Per-carton ft³ × Quantity
CartonQuantityShipment volume
24 × 18 × 12 in13 ft³
24 × 18 × 12 in412 ft³
18 × 18 × 18 in26.75 ft³

Keep freight measurements auditable

  • Use the packed external dimensions.
  • Convert all dimensions to the same unit first.
  • Keep quantities separated by carton type.
  • Do not add dimensions together; add each row’s calculated volume.