Container Loading Calculator
Enter carton dimensions and weight to estimate how many cartons fit in a 20GP, 40GP, 40HQ or 45HQ container — with volume and payload utilization, a loading floor plan, and the number of containers your shipment needs.
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| Type | Internal L × W × H | Volume | Max payload* | Door opening W × H |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20GP | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | ≈ 33.2 cbm | ≈ 21,700 kg | 2.34 × 2.28 m |
| 40GP | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | ≈ 67.5 cbm | ≈ 26,700 kg | 2.34 × 2.28 m |
| 40HQ | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.70 m | ≈ 76.3 cbm | ≈ 26,500 kg | 2.34 × 2.58 m |
| 45HQ | 13.56 × 2.35 × 2.70 m | ≈ 86.0 cbm | ≈ 27,600 kg | 2.34 × 2.58 m |
*Payload and dimensions vary by shipping line, container builder and local road regulations. Always confirm with your freight forwarder before final loading.
How to use this calculator
- Measure your export carton’s length, width and height and enter the gross weight per carton (product + packaging).
- Pick a container type — presets load standard internal dimensions, which you can edit.
- Keep “upright only” if the contents must not be inverted; allow any orientation for neutral cargo.
- Enter your total carton count to see how many containers the shipment needs and how full the last one will be.
Frequently asked questions
How many cartons fit in a 40HQ container?
It depends on carton size. A common 60 × 40 × 40 cm export carton fits about 600 pieces (6 layers of 100) in a 40HQ high-cube, using roughly 57.6 cbm or 75% of the container volume. Smaller cartons reach higher utilization; light bulky cargo is limited by volume, dense cargo by payload.
Why is the actual loaded quantity lower than the calculator estimate?
The calculator assumes a perfect grid with no gaps. Real loading loses space to door clearance, pallet overhang, mixed orientations, carton strength limits on stacking, and loading speed. Treat the result as a best-case ceiling and plan for roughly 90–95% of it with loose cartons, less with pallets.
What is the difference between 40GP and 40HQ?
Both are 40-foot containers with the same footprint. A 40GP (general purpose) has about 2.39 m internal height and roughly 67 cbm; a 40HQ (high cube) is about 2.70 m high with roughly 76 cbm — around 13% more volume. Ocean freight rates rarely differ much, so 40HQ is usually the better deal for volume cargo.
How is container utilization calculated?
Volume utilization = (cartons loaded × carton volume) ÷ container internal volume. Weight utilization = (cartons loaded × carton gross weight) ÷ container maximum payload. Whichever limit is reached first caps the load.
Can carton weight limit how many boxes fit in a container?
Yes. Every container has a maximum payload (about 21,700 kg for 20GP and 26,500–27,600 kg for 40-foot types). If cartons are heavy, the weight limit is hit before the space runs out — for example 25 kg cartons in a 20GP cap at about 868 cartons even when space for more remains.