Shipping Container Load Calculator (20ft, 40ft, 40ft HC)
This container load calculator estimates how many cartons fit in a 20ft, 40ft or 40ft high cube container, using both space and weight limits. It is meant for quick quoting and planning before you finalise a load plan with your forwarder.
Your numbers
Typical internal dimensions are used; check your carrier's specification.
Allowance for dunnage, gaps, door clearance and uneven stacking.
Your results
Dimensions and payload vary by container model and carrier. Floor-loaded cartons only; pallets, wheel arches and door clearance change the answer.
Cartons per container vs carton weight
Sweeps Carton gross weight from 5 to 40, holding your other inputs fixed.
Generate packing data from your ERP
Optional: discuss producing packing lists and load plans from ERP shipment data.
Optional. The tool and every export work without this. No spam.
How to use it
Pick the container type, then enter your carton length, width, height and gross weight in centimetres and kilograms. The calculator tests two floor orientations, counts how many layers fit by height, applies a practical loading efficiency, and then caps the total at the container's typical payload. The result is whichever limit bites first. Heavy products such as fasteners or castings usually hit the weight limit long before space; light goods such as packaging or cables fill the space first.
- Use carton outside dimensions
- Use gross weight including packaging
- Lower efficiency for irregular cartons
- For palletised cargo, use the pallet as the carton
Container dimensions used
Typical internal dimensions are about 5.90 by 2.35 by 2.39 metres for a 20ft container, 12.03 by 2.35 by 2.39 metres for a 40ft, and the same footprint at about 2.70 metres tall for a 40ft high cube. That is roughly 33, 67 and 76 cubic metres respectively. Maximum payload is usually in the 26 to 28 tonne range, though it depends on the specific container and often on road weight limits at origin or destination. Confirm with the shipping line.
Reading the result
If cartons by weight is lower than cartons by space, you are paying for air-free freight and should consider a smaller container or filling the balance with lighter goods. If space is the limit and volume utilization is low, review carton size: a few centimetres off a dimension can add a full layer. The chart shows the weight cliff, where heavier cartons push the load from space-limited to weight-limited. Freight cost per carton is usually your best comparison between container sizes.
Common mistakes
Planners often use inside carton dimensions, forget the door clearance, or ignore that the load must be braced. Heavy loads need correct weight distribution, with the centre of gravity near the middle, and many ports and trucking regulations limit total gross weight below the container's rating. For exports, the Verified Gross Mass rule under SOLAS requires the shipper to declare container weight before loading onto the ship. Record the final load plan in your ERP shipment or delivery so that packing lists and invoices match.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic metres are in a 20ft and 40ft container?
Roughly 33 cubic metres for a 20ft, 67 for a 40ft standard and 76 for a 40ft high cube, measured inside. Usable volume is lower after allowing for dunnage, gaps and the loading pattern.
What is the payload of a 40ft container?
A typical 40ft standard container has a payload around 26 to 27 tonnes. The exact figure is printed on the container door. Road and rail limits at origin and destination may restrict the real load below that.
Is a 40ft high cube worth the extra cost?
For light, bulky cargo, yes: the extra height gives about 13 percent more volume for a small price premium. For dense cargo that hits the weight limit first, the extra height adds nothing.
Does this work for palletised loads?
Yes, treat the pallet as the carton. Enter pallet length, width, loaded height and gross weight. Remember that standard 48 by 40 inch pallets fit fewer per container floor than EUR pallets in some arrangements.
If you export regularly and want packing lists, weights and container plans generated from your ERP shipment data, Netray can build that with you.
Related Tools
Pallet Load Calculator
Work out how many cartons fit on a pallet by layer pattern, height limit and weight limit, and see how much of the pallet footprint you use.
Supply Chain & InventoryDock Schedule Template
A fill-in daily dock appointment schedule with door assignment, carrier, PO or order number, trailer and status, ready to print or share.
Supply Chain & InventoryWarehouse Space Utilization Calculator
Turn your building size, aisle share and pallet counts into position, cube and overall space utilization so you know when you are really full.
Supply Chain & InventoryWarehouse Receiving Inspection Checklist
A practical receiving checklist covering trailer arrival, paperwork match, physical and quality inspection, damage claims and put-away.
More Supply Chain & Inventory tools
See all- Oracle Fusion Inventory Turns and Carrying Cost Calculator
- Distribution ERP Fill Rate Calculator
- Distributor Rebate Tracking Worksheet
- Branch Transfer Planning Worksheet
- Distributor Slow-Moving Inventory Review Worksheet
- Distributor Vendor Performance Scorecard Worksheet
- Distributor GMROI Calculator
- Distributor Backorder Cost and Fill Rate Calculator
- EOQ with Vendor Minimum Order Calculator