Enter one carton size and its gross weight. The calculator works out how many cartons fit in a 20ft, 40ft and 40ft high cube container, checks the weight limit of each container and tells you how many containers your order needs. Results update as you type.
Change the weight limits
Maximum cargo weight per container in kg. The defaults are planning values; use the limit from your forwarder or shipping line if you have it.
Planning estimate for loose cartons stacked floor to ceiling. Pallets, carton strength, door height and hand loading usually reduce the number, so ask your forwarder for a loading plan before booking.
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Send these numbers to AsiaCommerce. Our team replies with options for sourcing, consolidation, freight and import procurement from China to Indonesia, Malaysia or the Philippines.
Container data last reviewed: 6 November 2026 by the AsiaCommerce team.
Shipping several carton sizes? Work out the total volume first with our CBM calculator, which adds up mixed cartons and shows how much of each container you will use.
How the container loading calculator works
- It uses the inside length, width and height of each container and tests the ways your carton can be turned. With "This side up" ticked, cartons stay upright and are only turned on the floor; untick it if your cartons may lie on any side.
- It also tries combining two directions, for example turning the last rows or the last column of cartons to use space left at the end or side of the container.
- The space result is then compared with the weight limit. Heavy cartons reach the maximum cargo weight before the container is full, and the calculator shows which limit applies.
- If you enter the number of cartons to ship, it shows how many containers of each size you need and suggests the smallest option.
Example: how many 60 × 40 × 40 cm cartons fit?
Dividing the container volume by the carton volume suggests about 345 cartons in a 20ft container. In reality cartons cannot be cut to fill every gap, so the calculator finds about 255 cartons in a 20ft, 550 in a 40ft and 660 in a 40ft high cube when the cartons stay upright. At 20 kg per carton, 255 cartons weigh 5,100 kg, well below the weight limit, so space is the limit here.
Container dimensions and weight limits
| Container | Inside length × width × height | Door opening (width × height) | Capacity | Max payload (example) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | 2.34 × 2.29 m | 33.2 m³ | 30,200 kg |
| 40ft standard | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.40 m | 2.34 × 2.29 m | 67.7 m³ | 28,800 kg |
| 40ft high cube | 12.03 × 2.34 × 2.70 m | 2.34 × 2.60 m | 76.3 m³ | 28,650 kg |
Example values from Hapag-Lloyd's container specification. Dimensions and payload vary by container owner and age, and road or port rules often allow less weight than the container itself, so the calculator starts from lower planning limits (25,000 kg, 27,600 kg and 28,600 kg) that you can change.
Tips to load more cartons
- Measure cartons after packing. A few millimetres decide whether one more row or layer fits.
- When you can choose the carton size, pick sizes that divide well into the inside width (about 2.35 m) and height (about 2.39 m, or 2.70 m in a high cube).
- Allow cartons to be turned if the goods are not fragile and the cartons have no "this side up" marking.
- Dense goods such as tiles, metal parts or liquids reach the weight limit first. Compare "volume used" and "weight used" before choosing a 40ft container.
- Put heavy cartons at the bottom and spread the weight evenly along the container floor.
Frequently asked questions
How many cartons fit in a 20ft container?
It depends on the carton size and weight. For example, about 255 upright cartons of 60 × 40 × 40 cm fit in a 20ft container, compared with about 550 in a 40ft and 660 in a 40ft high cube. Enter your own carton size above for your number.
Why is the result lower than container volume divided by carton volume?
Cartons are rigid boxes, so some space at the end, side and top of the container is always too small for another carton. The calculator counts only whole cartons that physically fit.
Does the calculator include pallets?
No. It assumes loose cartons loaded floor to ceiling. Pallets take floor space and height, so a palletised load usually holds fewer cartons.
Which weight limit should I use?
Use the maximum cargo weight given by your forwarder or shipping line for your route. Road limits in the origin or destination country can be lower than the container's own payload.
Is a full container cheaper than LCL?
For small shipments, sea freight LCL (a shared container) is often cheaper. Many shippers start comparing prices once a shipment passes about 13–15 CBM. Rates change by route and season, so ask for both quotes.
Does the calculator store my data?
No. All calculations run in your browser and nothing is sent to us. Your numbers only reach AsiaCommerce if you choose to send them through WhatsApp or the request form.
Need help moving these cartons from China?
Tell us what you are buying and where it is going. Our team checks suppliers, product rules and freight options for Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, then sends you a clear quote.
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