Container Loading Calculator
Calculate how many cartons and units fit in standard shipping containers. Instantly compare 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft High Cube with volume and weight analysis.
Need CBM calculation help? Use CBM Calculator →
Products inside each carton
Gross weight per carton
Container Loading Guide
How Many Cartons Fit in a Container?
The number of cartons that fit depends on two constraints: volume capacity (CBM) and weight limit (payload). A 20ft container holds ~33 CBM / 28 tons, a 40ft container holds ~67 CBM / 26 tons, and a 40ft High Cube holds ~76 CBM / 26 tons.
20ft vs 40ft vs 40ft HC
| Container | Internal (m) | CBM | Max Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20' Standard | 5.9 × 2.35 × 2.39 | 33.2 | 28,000 kg |
| 40' Standard | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 | 67.7 | 26,000 kg |
| 40' High Cube | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 | 76.3 | 26,000 kg |
Volume vs Weight Limit
Light, bulky products (e.g., pillows, plastic goods) are volume-limited — the container fills up before reaching the weight cap. Heavy, dense products (e.g., tiles, metal parts) are weight-limited — the weight cap is reached before the space is full. This calculator checks both constraints and shows which one applies.
Want to compare Incoterms pricing? Use Incoterms Calculator →