What is the Container Loading Calculator?
Before booking a container you need to know how many cartons will fit. The container loading calculator tests all six orientations of your carton inside the container's inside dimensions and reports the best fit, then checks the result against the container's maximum payload.
It also shows the space used. For pallets instead of loose cartons use the Pallet Capacity Calculator; for container sizes alone see the Container Volume Calculator. All calculators accept centimetres, inches or millimetres and kilograms or pounds, so you can use the units on your supplier's spec sheet.
How to use the Container Loading Calculator
- Enter the carton dimensions and gross weight.
- Choose the container: 20ft, 40ft or 40ft HC.
- Choose whether cartons may be rotated or turned on their side.
- Read cartons per container, the layout and weight check.
Formula
Cartons = floor(Lc ÷ l) × floor(Wc ÷ w) × floor(Hc ÷ h), best of all orientations, capped by payload ÷ carton weight
Example
Cartons of 60 × 40 × 40 cm fit about 1,050–1,100 in a 40ft HC by volume. At 20 kg each, that is about 21–22 tonnes, within the payload.
Container inside dimensions
| Container | L × W × H (m) | CBM |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 | 33 |
| 40ft | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 | 67 |
| 40ft HC | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 | 76 |
Related packaging and shipping tools
Packaging decisions are connected: the box size sets the volumetric weight, which sets the courier bill, and the carton size decides how many fit on a pallet or in a container. These related calculators help with the next step:
- Pallet loading calculator: cartons per pallet.
- Pallet capacity calculator: pallets per container.
- Container volume calculator: container sizes and CBM.
- CBM calculator: cubic metres for a shipment.
- Carton size calculator: master carton for inner boxes.
Frequently asked questions
How many cartons fit in a 20ft container?
It depends on carton size; enter yours to get an exact count.
Does it consider weight?
Yes, the count is capped by the container's payload.
Can cartons be turned on their side?
Only if you allow it; some goods must stay upright.
Is the result exact?
It is a good estimate; real loading leaves some gaps.
What is a high-cube container?
A container 30 cm taller than standard (2.69 m inside).
Is the Container Loading Calculator free to use?
Yes. The Container Loading Calculator on Custom Converter is completely free, with no sign-up, no daily limit and no watermark.
Does the Container Loading Calculator work on mobile phones?
Yes. It is built mobile-first and works on Android phones, iPhones, tablets and computers in any modern browser, with no app to install.