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Container loading calculator

Find how many cartons fit in a 20 ft, 40 ft or high cube container, how full it is, and whether you hit the weight limit.

Cartons in a 20 ft standard container
255cartons
51 per layer × 5 layers
Space used73.7%Cargo volume24.48 CBMCargo weight4,590 kgPayload limit28,200 kgContainer inside590 × 235 × 239 cm
Floor plan, one layer (cartons 60 × 40 cm)

How it works

The calculator tries each carton side as the height, then fits the most cartons on the floor using straight rows plus a block turned the other way when that fits more. Layers stack to the container's inside height.

Real loads lose a little space to door clearance, bracing and uneven cartons, so allow a few percent. Payload limits differ by container; check the CSC plate on the door.

Frequently asked questions

How many cartons fit in a 20 ft container?

It depends on the carton size. For 60 × 40 × 40 cm cartons, about 255 fit in a 20 ft standard container. The volume alone suggests 345, but cartons can't fill every gap along the walls and roof.

What are the inside dimensions of a 40 ft container?

About 12.03 m long, 2.35 m wide and 2.39 m high, or 2.70 m high for a high cube.

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