FREE OCEAN FREIGHT TOOL
Estimate how many identical boxes or pallets fit in a 20ft, 40ft or 40ft high cube container, including stacking layers, CBM utilization and best rotated orientation.
20ft • 40ft • 40ft high cube
This calculator checks how many identical cargo units fit inside a container by dividing internal container dimensions by the cargo dimensions. It tests length-width rotation and shows the best orientation for floor fit and stacking.
For real shipments, volume fit is only one part of planning. Weight limits, axle distribution, stacking strength, cargo damage risk and loading sequence also matter.
Common planning volume around 33 CBM, but weight often becomes the real limit.
Common planning volume around 67 CBM for standard dry containers.
More height, often around 76 CBM planning volume.
Floor loading is often more important than pure CBM when pallets cannot be stacked.
Typical internal dimensions and capacities for the container types shippers ask about most. The calculator above covers the three dry types in bold planning use every day (20ft, 40ft, 40ft high cube); reefer and 45ft figures are included for planning reference.
| Container | Internal L × W × H (m) | Door height (m) | Capacity | Max payload (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 | 2.28 | ~33 CBM | ~28,200 kg |
| 40ft Standard | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 | 2.28 | ~67 CBM | ~28,800 kg |
| 40ft High Cube | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.70 | 2.58 | ~76 CBM | ~28,600 kg |
| 20ft Reefer | 5.44 × 2.29 × 2.27 | 2.26 | ~28 CBM | ~27,400 kg |
| 40ft High Cube Reefer | 11.56 × 2.29 × 2.55 | 2.55 | ~67 CBM | ~29,900 kg |
| 45ft High Cube | 13.56 × 2.35 × 2.70 | 2.58 | ~86 CBM | ~27,600 kg |
Figures are typical published values and vary by carrier, container age and CSC plate — the max gross weight and tare on the container door always win. Practical loadable volume is usually 5–10% below nominal capacity, and road weight limits at origin/destination may cap payload below the container's structural limit.
It depends on pallet size, container type and whether pallets can be stacked. Standard 48×40 inch pallets usually need a layout check rather than just CBM math.
Rectangular cargo often leaves unused space because the dimensions do not divide evenly into the container’s internal dimensions.
No. It estimates geometric fit only. Heavy cargo may hit payload or road weight limits before filling the container volume.
Yes. CBM helps estimate shipment volume. Container loading checks whether the cargo shape physically fits.