Container Loading Calculator
Calculate how many boxes fit in a 20ft, 40ft, or 40ft HC shipping container.
Box Dimensions (cm)
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
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Estimate container capacity for import and export planning:
- Select your container type. 20ft containers are used for smaller shipments or heavier goods (weight limit reached before volume). 40ft containers offer nearly double the volume. 40ft High Cube containers add 30 cm of height for tall or bulky cargo.
- Enter box dimensions in centimeters. Measure the outer carton dimensions. If your boxes are a different size for different SKUs, calculate separately for each and sum the quantities.
- Read the results. The calculator shows total boxes, used volume in cubic meters, and container utilization percentage.
This calculator uses simple orthogonal stacking. Complex mixed loads or irregular cartons may have different actual capacity.
About Container Loading
A standard 20-foot container has internal dimensions of approximately 589 x 234 x 239 cm. A standard 40-foot container is approximately 1,200 x 234 x 239 cm. The 40-foot High Cube adds 30 cm of height (269 cm), making it suitable for large furniture, appliances, and other tall cargo. Container utilization of 70-90% is considered efficient for uniform carton loads. Lower utilization may indicate the container size could be reduced; higher utilization approaching 100% suggests the calculation is close to the practical maximum.
Weight limits also apply: 20ft containers typically have a maximum payload of about 22,000 kg; 40ft containers about 26,500 kg. If your cargo is very heavy, the weight limit may be reached before the volume limit. Always check container specifications with your freight forwarder.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many boxes fit in a 20-foot shipping container?
The number of boxes depends entirely on box size. A 20ft container has internal dimensions of approximately 589 x 234 x 239 cm. A carton measuring 40x30x25 cm would fit about 1,323 boxes (14 along the length, 7 wide, and 9 high). Smaller boxes fit more; larger boxes fit fewer. Use this calculator with your specific carton dimensions for an accurate count.
What is the difference between a 40ft container and a 40ft High Cube?
A standard 40ft container has an internal height of about 239 cm. A 40ft High Cube has an internal height of about 269 cm, adding 30 cm (approximately 1 foot) of vertical space. This extra height allows stacking an additional layer of cartons for many common box heights and is useful for large or tall items like furniture, mattresses, and large appliances. High Cube containers cost slightly more to ship but can hold 10-20% more volume than standard 40ft containers.
Should I use a 20ft or 40ft container?
For cargo over about 15 CBM, a 40ft container is typically more cost-effective than two 20ft containers, as freight rates per CBM are usually lower for larger containers. For cargo under 15 CBM, LCL (Less than Container Load) groupage may be cheaper than a full 20ft container. If your cargo reaches the 20ft weight limit (about 22,000 kg) before the volume limit, using a 20ft container is more efficient. Discuss options with your freight forwarder based on both volume and weight.
What percentage of a container should be filled?
For uniform carton loads, 75-85% utilization is typical due to stacking constraints and structural clearances. Achieving 90%+ utilization is possible with careful planning and carton sizes that divide evenly into container dimensions. Very low utilization (under 60%) often suggests a smaller container type or LCL shipment would be more economical. Irregular cargo, palletized goods, and items requiring dunnage will achieve lower utilization than the theoretical maximum.