Container loading calculator for 20 ft, 40 ft and 40 ft high-cube containers
This container loading calculator estimates how many cartons or pallets fit in a 20 ft, 40 ft or 40 ft high-cube shipping container. Choose the container, enter your carton or pallet size and weight, and it shows how many fit by space and by payload, what share of the container volume you use, and how many containers a shipment needs.
A to-scale floor plan shows the best layer, with turned cartons in a second colour. The packing is a quick rotation-aware estimate for one size of unit; real loading software does better, so treat the result as a planning figure for quotes and costing.
How to use the Container Loading Calculator
- Pick the container type; its typical internal size and payload fill in and stay editable. Choose Custom container for another size.
- Choose Cartons or Pallets. For cartons enter length, width, height and weight; for pallets enter the footprint, loaded height and loaded weight.
- Tick “This side up” if cartons cannot be turned on their side. For pallets choose single or two-high stacking.
- Read the count, the floor plan, the volume and payload used, and the containers needed for your quantity.
Container Loading Calculator features
Three container types
20 ft, 40 ft and 40 ft high cube with typical internal sizes and payloads, all editable.
Space and payload together
The count is the smaller of what fits and what the payload allows, and it says which limit applies.
Rotation-aware fit
Tries each carton side as the height, both footprint directions and a two-block mix for every layer.
Cartons or pallets
Pallet mode places pallets on the floor (about 11 EUR pallets in a 20 ft) with optional double stacking.
Typical container dimensions
These are typical figures from carrier and ISO 668 container data as of 19 October 2026; for example, Maersk publishes about 33.2, 67.7 and 76.4 m³ for these three types. Internal sizes and payloads vary by manufacturer, floor type and shipping line (payloads of 26,000–30,000 kg are quoted), and door openings are smaller than the interior. Always use the figures on the container’s CSC plate or your forwarder’s booking.
| Container | Internal L × W × H | Volume | Typical payload |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ft standard | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | about 33 m³ | 28,200 kg |
| 40 ft standard | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | about 67 m³ | 26,700 kg |
| 40 ft high cube | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.70 m | about 76 m³ | 26,500 kg |
How the estimate is made
For each carton side taken as the height, the floor is packed with the better of two grids (carton long side along the container or across it) and a two-block mix in which part of the floor is rotated. Layers are the container height divided by the carton height. The best total wins; ties go to the lower stack. The result is capped by payload ÷ unit weight.
Example: 1 m cubes in a 20 ft container give 5 along the length and 2 across = 10 per layer and 2 layers = 20 cartons. In a 40 ft high cube the same cartons give 24 per layer and 2 layers = 48. See also the pallet calculator to build the pallets first and volumetric weight for freight charges.
Limits to keep in mind
- One carton or pallet size per calculation. Mixed loads need software that handles several items.
- Heuristic packing: professional 3D load planners usually find equal or slightly higher counts, and also handle load stability, dunnage and door clearance.
- Leave room for bracing, air bags and uneven stacking. A fully theoretical fit rarely loads in practice.
- Check weight distribution and local axle or road limits as well as container payload.
Container Loading Calculator FAQ
How many boxes fit in a 40ft container?
It depends on the box size. As a guide, a 40 ft high cube offers about 76 m³ of space, but real loads rarely use all of it. Enter your size to see the count.
How many pallets fit in a 20ft container?
About 11 EUR pallets (1,200 × 800 mm) on one tier with a pinwheel pattern; other pallet sizes give fewer or more. Pallets stacked two high double that if the load is stackable and the height allows.
What is the payload of a container?
The maximum weight of cargo it can carry; typically 26,000–28,500 kg depending on the type and the shipping line. It is printed on the container’s CSC plate.
Is a high cube worth it?
A 40 ft high cube is about 30 cm taller, adding roughly 13% more volume. It helps for light, bulky cargo but not for heavy goods that reach the payload first.
Why does my forwarder quote a different number?
Their planners use 3D software and real loading rules such as bracing space, door clearance and mixed cartons. Use this tool for estimates and the quote for booking.
Can I enter my own container?
Yes. Choose Custom container, or just edit any of the size fields, and enter the internal dimensions and payload from the container’s plate.