Free container load calculator: cartons per 20ft, 40ft and 40ft HC

Enter your own numbers, click the button and read the result. These tools give estimates for planning only. They use simplified formulas and the figures you enter, so check important decisions against your own data and advisers.

CBM (cubic metres) is the volume of a carton: length times width times height, with the dimensions in centimetres and the result divided by 1,000,000. The calculator then takes an approximate internal volume for each container type, 20ft about 33 CBM, 40ft about 67 CBM and 40ft HC about 76 CBM, and multiplies it by your usable fill percentage to allow for gaps and dunnage.

Cartons per container is that usable volume divided by the CBM per carton, rounded down. If you enter a carton weight and a maximum payload, the calculator also caps the carton count by weight and tells you which limit applies. These internal volumes are approximate: actual figures vary by container and carrier.

Worked example

This is an example only, using made-up round numbers to show the arithmetic. They are not benchmarks, and the results were produced by this page's calculator script.

Inputs: carton 60 x 40 x 30 cm, carton weight 12 kg, 1,000 cartons, usable fill 85%, max payload 25,000 kg (all example inputs).

Results:

• CBM per carton: 0.0720
• Total CBM: 72.00
• Total cargo weight: 12,000.0 kg
• Cartons per 20ft: 389 (volume-limited)
• Cartons per 40ft: 790 (volume-limited)
• Cartons per 40ft HC: 897 (volume-limited)
• Containers needed for 1,000 cartons: 3 x 20ft, or 2 x 40ft, or 2 x 40ft HC
• Weight check: total cargo weight of 12,000.0 kg is within the 25,000 kg payload entered

This container load calculator is most useful when:

• You are estimating how many containers an order will need before asking a forwarder for quotes.
• You are comparing a 20ft, 40ft and 40ft HC container for the same shipment.
• You are checking whether a shipment will fill a container by volume or reach the weight limit first.
• You are adjusting carton size or pack quantity and want to see the effect on cartons per container.

If the numbers point to a bigger question, such as which suppliers, inventory policies or logistics routes to change, our supply chain consulting can help you work through it.

How many CBM are in a 20ft, 40ft and 40ft HC container?

As a planning estimate, the approximate internal volumes are about 33 CBM for a 20ft, about 67 CBM for a 40ft and about 76 CBM for a 40ft high-cube. Actual volumes vary by container, so confirm with your forwarder or carrier.

How do I calculate CBM per carton?

Multiply the carton length, width and height in centimetres and divide by 1,000,000. For example, a 60 x 40 x 30 cm carton is 0.072 CBM.

What does the usable fill percentage mean?

It is the share of the container volume you expect to use, allowing for gaps between cartons, pallets and dunnage. The calculator defaults to 85 percent as a planning assumption and you can change it.

Does this container load calculator check weight?

Yes. If you enter a carton weight and a maximum payload, it limits the carton count by weight where weight is the tighter limit and compares your total cargo weight with the payload. Use the payload limit from your carrier or container.

Is the result a loading plan?

No. It is a volume and weight estimate. Pallet sizes, carton orientation, stacking limits and door dimensions can all change how many cartons really fit, so ask your forwarder or carrier to confirm.

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