Carton dimensions, CBM and storage measurement for racking
- 28/10/2026
- Posted by: tendou
- Category: Racking System
Before requesting a racking quotation for carton storage, you need to know how much space your goods actually occupy. This guide shows how to measure carton dimensions, calculate cubic metre (CBM) volumes and estimate storage requirements so you can give the racking supplier useful numbers.
Measuring a carton
Measure each carton’s outer dimensions in centimetres:
- Length: the longest side of the carton
- Width: the shorter side of the carton base
- Height: the distance from the base to the top
Use the outer dimensions, not the inner cavity. The racking shelf must fit the outer size of each carton, including any bulging, labelling or banding that adds to the profile.
Calculating CBM
To convert centimetres to cubic metres:
CBM = Length (cm) x Width (cm) x Height (cm) / 1,000,000
Worked example: a carton measuring 60 cm x 40 cm x 30 cm:
60 x 40 x 30 = 72,000 cubic centimetres = 0.072 CBM
Estimating total storage volume
Multiply the CBM per carton by the number of cartons you need to store at any one time:
Example: 500 cartons at 0.072 CBM each = 36 CBM of carton volume.
This is the volume of the goods alone. It does not include the space taken by the racking structure, aisles, clearances or the gaps between cartons on a shelf. The supplier uses your goods volume alongside the shelf dimensions and layout to calculate the number of bays and levels needed.
Weighing the cartons
Record the weight of each carton type when fully loaded. The racking supplier needs this to select the correct shelf series and confirm the per-level loading. If cartons vary in weight, provide the range (lightest to heaviest) and identify which products are the heaviest.
For hand-loaded shelving, also consider the practical lifting weight for your operators. Items that are too heavy to lift safely onto upper shelves may need to stay on lower levels or require different handling equipment.
Presenting the information to the supplier
Create a simple table for each product type:
On a phone, swipe the table sideways to see all columns.
| Product or carton type | L x W x H (cm) | Weight (kg) | Quantity to store | CBM each |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example: Canned goods, case of 24 | 40 x 30 x 20 | 12 | 200 | 0.024 |
| Example: Paper products, bulk pack | 60 x 40 x 50 | 8 | 150 | 0.120 |
Include any items that are unusually shaped, fragile or need to be stored in a specific orientation. Note whether items are stacked on each other directly or placed individually on shelves.
Printable worksheet: download the Hyperack Racking Quotation Brief (PDF) to record your product dimensions and weights for the supplier.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert floor area to racking capacity?
Not directly. The number of bays and levels that fit in a given floor area depends on the shelf dimensions, aisle widths, frame depths and clear height. Provide the floor dimensions and goods data to the supplier; do not estimate pallet or shelf positions from floor area alone.
Are there standard carton sizes in Malaysia?
Common sizes exist in certain industries, but there is no single universal standard. Measure your actual cartons rather than assuming a standard dimension applies.
How do I send this to Hyperack?
Send your product table, floor measurements and photographs through the contact page. For shelving suited to carton storage, see the boltless rack page. The team will confirm which shelving series suits your items and prepare a layout based on your quantities and available space.