Container Loading Calculator (Loose Cartons)

Enter the carton size to see how many load loose into the vehicle and how much of the volume is used.

Vehicle

Typical inner dimensions; choose custom if yours differ
Leave empty to use the full inner height; enter a door or stacking limit if any

Carton

Gaps are filled with cartons turned another way

Results

Cartons that can be loaded
2,000
Maximum that fits by size
2,935
Total load weight (kg)
24,000
Remaining payload (kg)
0
Total carton volume (m³)
60
Vehicle volume (m³)
89.96
Volume utilisation
66.69%
Empty volume (m³)
29.96

Limited by weight: more would fit by volume, but the payload is reached. Filling gaps with other orientations fits 19 more than a single straight pattern.

3D load plan

  • Upright, turned 90°8
  • On its side1992
  • Empty space
Empty spaces (length × width × height)
  1. 1,360 × 245 × 60 cm19.99 m³
Vehicle load plan · 1360 × 245 × 270 cm · drag to rotate

Floor-loaded (non-palletised) cartons use far more of the available space. This calculator tries every allowed orientation, fills the gaps left beside, in front of and above the main block with cartons turned another way, and compares the total with the vehicle payload. The result is shown as a 3D load plan.

With “any way”, cartons may stand upright, lie on their side or on end, and gaps are filled accordingly for the maximum load. Use “upright only” for fragile goods or liquids. Results include total volume in m³ and volume utilisation.

How to calculate Container load

  1. Choose the vehicle or container type.
  2. Enter a usable inner height if there is a limit.
  3. Enter the carton dimensions and weight.
  4. Choose whether cartons may be laid on any side.

Container load formula

  • Total cartons = Cartons per layer × Layers
  • Layers = Inner height ÷ Carton height, rounded down
  • Carton volume (m³) = L × W × H ÷ 1,000,000
  • Weight limit = Payload ÷ Carton weight

Container load example

40×30×25 cm cartons at 12 kg: upright only, 2,070 fit in a 40' container. Allowing any orientation fits 2,204 by size and uses about 98% of the volume; at 26,448 kg that is just within the payload.

Container load: common questions

What is the volume of a shipping container?

A 20' container holds about 33 m³, a 40' about 67 m³ and a 40' High Cube about 76 m³.

What is CBM?

CBM means cubic metre. Multiply the three carton dimensions in centimetres and divide by 1,000,000.

Will the calculated quantity really fit?

The result assumes ideal stacking. Allow 2–5% for bulging cartons, handling clearance and the door gap.