Cargo Stowage Factor Calculator
Calculate the stowage factor of your ocean freight consignment. Determine whether cargo is measurement (cubic) or deadweight (heavy) cargo.
Stowage Factor & Freight Ton (W/M) Calculator
Determine Stowage Factor in m³/t and cu.ft/lt, classify cargo as Deadweight vs Measurement, and calculate billable W/M tons
Stowage Factor & Freight Rating
Standard maritime freight threshold: 1 Metric Ton = 1 CBM (or 1 Long Ton = 40 cu.ft). If SF > 1.0 m³/t, cargo is rated by Volume (Measurement cargo).
How to use
- Input total cargo weight in metric tonnes or kilograms.
- Enter total cargo volume in cubic metres or cubic feet.
- Select preferred measurement unit system.
- Get computed Stowage Factor value and volume classification.
What is Stowage Factor?
Stowage Factor (SF) represents the cubic space occupied by one unit weight of cargo, usually expressed in cubic metres per metric tonne (m3/t) or cubic feet per long ton (cft/LT).
It is a vital metric in chartering and ocean shipping to determine vessel intake capacity and calculate freight billing basis (weight vs volume).
Weight cargo vs measurement cargo
Cargo with a stowage factor less than 1.13 m3/t (40 cu ft/ton) is classified as deadweight/weight cargo. Goods exceeding this threshold are measurement or volumetric cargo.
Carriers charge freight based on the higher yielding parameter (W/M rule).
Frequently Asked Questions
What units are used for Stowage Factor?
Metric units use m3 per metric tonne (m3/t); imperial units use cubic feet per long ton (cft/LT). To convert cft/LT to m3/t, divide by 35.88.
Does Stowage Factor include broken stowage?
Theoretical SF does not include empty void spaces. In charter planning, a broken stowage allowance (typically 5-15%) is applied to gross package volume.
How is Stowage Factor related to cargo density?
Stowage factor is the reciprocal of cargo density. Higher density corresponds to lower stowage factor.
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