For importers
Container Load Calculator
Estimate how many cartons fit in a 20ft or 40ft ocean container before you book drayage.
Key takeaways
- A 20ft container holds roughly 26–28 cbm and a 40ft roughly 56–58 cbm of usable space.
- Real fits fall short of the raw math because of pallet patterns, stacking limits, and gaps.
- Check both volume and weight; the container's weight limit can cap you before space does.
Estimate based on usable interior volume and a packing-efficiency factor, real loading depends on stacking, pallets, and dunnage.
How container loading is estimated
We divide the usable interior volume of the container by your carton volume, apply a packing-efficiency factor for gaps and stacking limits, then check the result against the container's cargo weight limit. The smaller of the two, volume or weight, is what you can actually ship.
Container sizes compared
Usable interior volume is smaller than a container's nominal capacity because pallets, dunnage, and stacking limits eat into the space. Payload limits vary by container and by road weight rules, so treat these as planning figures and confirm with your carrier.
| Container | Usable interior volume | Approx. cubic meters | Max cargo weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | ~1,170 cu ft | ~33 cbm | ~47,900 lb |
| 40ft Standard | ~2,390 cu ft | ~68 cbm | ~59,000 lb |
| 40ft High Cube | ~2,694 cu ft | ~76 cbm | ~58,000 lb |
How to use the Container Load Calculator
- 1Enter your carton length, width, and height.
- 2Choose a container size (20ft or 40ft).
- 3See the estimated carton count and how much of the container you fill.
Estimates are for planning only. Confirm rates, accessorials, minimums, and service details directly with providers.
What to do next
With your container plan set, line up drayage and transload near your port of entry, and a customs broker to clear the shipment.
Related tools
Frequently asked questions
Does this guarantee how much will fit?
No, it's a volume-and-weight estimate with a packing-efficiency factor. Real fit depends on stacking limits, pallet configuration, and loading method. Confirm the final plan with your freight forwarder.
How many pallets fit in a container?
A 20ft container typically holds about 10 to 11 standard 48x40 pallets in a single layer, and a 40ft holds about 20 to 21, depending on pallet footprint and whether you can double-stack. High-cube containers add vertical space for double-stacking, not more floor positions.
What is the difference between a 40ft standard and a 40ft high cube?
Both have the same floor length and width, but a high cube is about one foot taller inside, giving roughly 13 percent more usable volume. If your cargo is light and bulky, a high cube ships more; if it's dense and weight-limited, the extra height may not help.
Should I plan by volume or by weight?
Plan by whichever limit you hit first. Light, bulky freight fills the cube before it reaches the weight cap; dense freight hits the payload limit with the container half full. This tool checks both and reports the smaller of the two.
Why is usable volume less than the container's rated capacity?
Pallets, dunnage, bracing, and stacking limits eat into nominal space, so real usable volume runs below the rated figure. That is why the estimate applies a packing-efficiency factor rather than assuming a perfect fill.
Does the weight limit include the pallets and packaging?
Yes. The container's max cargo weight covers everything you load, including pallets, cartons, and dunnage, not just the product. Road weight rules at the destination can also cap the loaded weight below the container's structural limit.