Container loading calculator
Enter one carton's size and weight to see how many cartons fit in each container, how they stack, and whether space or weight runs out first.
How many cartons fit
Stacking = cartons along the length × across the width × layers high. "Turned" cartons face another way to use the space left over.
Estimate from standard inside dimensions and maximum payload. Real loads usually fit a little less (bulging cartons, pallets, dunnage, space at the door), and road weight limits in many countries are lower than the container's maximum payload. Confirm with your forwarder before you quote.
How the calculation works
The calculator tries every direction the carton can face (only the two upright ones when "This side up" is ticked). It also tries turning part of the load to fill the space left along the length, the width or the height. It keeps the pattern that fits the most cartons and checks it against the container's maximum payload.
Quoting by the container
Buyers often ask for a price per 20ft or 40ft container, or set the minimum order at one container. Cartons per container × pieces per carton gives the pieces per container for your price list and MOQ. Enter the pieces per carton and the calculator does it for you.
Fitting more into the container
A small change to the carton size can add a whole row. Look at the space left along the 5.90 m or 12.03 m length and the 2.35 m width: a slightly shorter or narrower carton may fit one more row. Heavy goods reach the payload before the space runs out, so a 20ft container can be the better choice for them.
Common questions
How many cartons fit in a 40ft container?
It depends on the carton size. A 40ft standard container is about 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.40 m inside (67.7 m³). For 60 × 40 × 50 cm cartons kept upright, the calculator finds room for about 440 by turning one part of the load; in practice plan a little less. Enter your own carton above for the exact count.
What is the difference between a 40ft and a 40ft high cube?
Both are about 12.03 m long and 2.35 m wide inside. The high cube is about 30 cm taller (2.70 m instead of 2.40 m inside), so it holds about 13% more volume (76.3 m³ instead of 67.7 m³), often one more layer of cartons.
Why does the weight limit matter?
Each container has a maximum payload, about 28 tonnes. Dense goods such as tiles, metal parts or liquids reach it before the container is full. Road rules in many countries also limit the total truck weight, so the practical limit can be lower. The calculator shows when weight, not space, limits your load.
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