Container Loading Calculator
See how many of your boxes fit a 20ft, 40ft, or 40ft High Cube container. Enter the carton size and, optionally, your total quantity to find how many containers you’ll need.
Boxes that fit
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Theoretical max for uniform boxes (best orientation; no bracing or mixed stacking). Confirm real load plans with your carrier.
How container loading is estimated
The calculator divides each container’s internal dimensions by your box dimensions, testing all six orientations and keeping the best whole-unit fit. It’s a clean upper bound for identical cartons — real stowage is usually 80–90% of it once pallets, bracing, and weight limits come in.
For total volume and volumetric weight, pair this with the CBM calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How many boxes fit in a shipping container?
It depends on the box and container. A 40 × 30 × 30 cm carton fits roughly 680 in a 20ft, about 1,400 in a 40ft, and around 1,600 in a 40ft High Cube — based on a best-orientation grid fit. Enter your own box size above for exact numbers.
What are the internal dimensions of a shipping container?
A 20ft is about 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m (≈33 m³), a 40ft about 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m (≈67 m³), and a 40ft High Cube 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m (≈76 m³). High Cube adds roughly 30 cm of height.
Why is the real number lower than this calculator?
This shows the theoretical maximum for identical boxes in their best orientation. Real loads lose space to pallets, bracing, mixed sizes, door clearances, and weight limits — plan on filling 80–90% of the calculated figure.
How many pallets fit in a container?
A 20ft holds about 10–11 standard GMA pallets in a single layer and a 40ft about 20–21. Use the pallet calculator to plan pallet loads specifically.