Container Load Calculator
Enter your cartons, boxes or pallets and see how many fit in a 20ft, 40ft or 40HQ container. You get a 3D loading plan, weight check and a comparison of container sizes. Free, no sign-up.
1. Cargo
Dimensions are the outside size of one carton or pallet. “This side up” keeps the height vertical; “Fixed” keeps the exact orientation.
Container details
2. Compare container sizes
Click a row to switchHow to use the container load calculator
- Choose units and a container. Work in centimeters and kilograms, or inches and pounds. Pick the container you plan to book, such as a 20GP, 40GP or 40HQ.
- Add your cargo. For each carton or pallet type, enter length, width, height, the gross weight of one unit and the quantity.
- Set handling rules. Use “This side up” for cartons that must stay upright, “Fixed” for items that cannot be turned, and untick “Stackable” for goods that cannot carry weight on top.
- Calculate. The planner fills each container from the front wall toward the door and shows how many containers you need, the volume and weight utilization, and a step-by-step 3D loading sequence.
How the loading plan is calculated
The calculator builds the load in vertical “walls” across the width of the container, starting at the front wall. For every wall it tests the possible carton orientations and keeps the one that fills the most space. It checks that every carton sits fully on the floor or on a stackable carton below it. It also stops loading a container once the typical payload limit is reached. Large, stackable items are loaded first; non-stackable items are placed last so nothing is loaded on top of them.
The result is a practical plan, not a guaranteed optimum. Real loading also depends on carton strength, pallet overhang, bracing and the loading crew. Keep a margin for booking, especially above 90% utilization.
Standard container inside dimensions
| Container | Length | Width | Height | Volume | Max payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20' Standard (20GP) | 5.89 m | 2.35 m | 2.39 m | 33.1 m³ | 28,200 kg |
| 40' Standard (40GP) | 12.03 m | 2.35 m | 2.39 m | 67.6 m³ | 26,700 kg |
| 40' High Cube (40HQ) | 12.03 m | 2.35 m | 2.69 m | 76.0 m³ | 26,500 kg |
| 45' High Cube (45HQ) | 13.56 m | 2.35 m | 2.69 m | 85.7 m³ | 27,700 kg |
Typical values. Exact dimensions and payload vary by container manufacturer and shipping line. See all container sizes →
Frequently asked questions
How many boxes fit in a 40ft container?
It depends on box size, orientation and weight. For example, a 40ft high cube holds about 660 cartons of 60 × 40 × 40 cm when they can be rotated. Enter your own carton size above to get a loading plan for your cargo.
What is the internal size of a 20ft container?
A standard 20ft dry container is typically about 589 cm long, 235 cm wide and 239 cm high inside, around 33 m³, with a maximum payload near 28,000 kg.
Why can't I fill 100% of the container volume?
Boxes rarely divide the container dimensions exactly, so there are gaps at the walls, ceiling and door. Uniform cartons typically reach 75–90% volume utilization; mixed or non-stackable cargo reaches less.
Does the calculator consider weight?
Yes. Each container type has a typical maximum payload, and the planner stops loading once that weight is reached. Heavy goods such as tiles, steel or machinery often “weigh out” before they “cube out”. Always confirm payload and road weight limits with your carrier.
Can I share or save the loading plan?
Yes. “Copy share link” creates a link that reopens the calculator with your exact cargo list. “Print / PDF” prints the summary and the 3D view.