Container Load Calculator
Find how many cartons of one size fit inside a shipping container, and whether space or weight runs out first.
How to use the Container Load Calculator
- Choose the container.
- Enter the carton length and pick its unit.
- Enter the carton width and pick its unit.
- Enter the carton height and pick its unit.
- Enter the carton weight and pick its unit.
- Tick Keep cartons upright (this side up) if it applies.
- Press Calculate. The result updates automatically as you type, and you can switch the result unit at any time.
About the Container Load Calculator
Before booking a full container load (FCL), it helps to know whether your order fits in a 20 ft box or needs a 40 ft. This tool uses typical inside dimensions of ISO dry containers. Actual containers vary by a few centimeters, and the door opening (about 2.28 m tall on standard boxes) can be smaller than the interior.
The estimate assumes one carton size and a uniform block stack. Skilled loaders often fit a few more by mixing orientations in the gap at the end. Heavy goods hit the weight limit long before the box is full, and road limits in the US and elsewhere may be lower than the container's rated payload, so check with your forwarder.
Formula
Cartons = ⌊Container L ÷ carton side⌋ × ⌊Container W ÷ carton side⌋ × ⌊Container H ÷ carton side⌋
The calculator tests each way the carton can be turned (two if it must stay upright, six otherwise) and keeps the orientation that fits the most. It then checks the total against a typical maximum payload. In a 20 ft container, 60 × 40 × 50 cm cartons fit 9 × 5 × 4 = 180.
Example calculation
Using the default values:
- Container = 20 ft standard (5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m)
- Carton length = 60 cm
- Carton width = 40 cm
- Carton height = 50 cm
- Carton weight = 15 kg
the calculator returns:
- Cartons that fit: 180 cartons
- Limited by: Space (inside dimensions)
- Arrangement: 9 long × 5 wide × 4 high
- Volume used: 65.1%
- Cargo weight: 2,700 kg
Frequently asked questions
What are the inside dimensions of a 20 ft container?
Roughly 5.90 m long, 2.35 m wide and 2.39 m high (19 ft 4 in × 7 ft 9 in × 7 ft 10 in), about 33 m³.
What is the maximum weight in a 20 ft container?
Most 20 ft dry containers are rated for about 28,000 kg of cargo, but road weight rules often limit practical loads to less.
Is a 40 ft container twice the capacity of a 20 ft?
Twice the volume, yes, but not twice the payload. A 40 ft container carries a similar or slightly lower maximum weight because the box itself is heavier.
Last updated: · Category: Shipping & Logistics calculators