How the calculator packs the container
It tries every way of turning the carton — six orientations, or two if the cartons must stay upright — and keeps the one that fits the most whole cartons in neat rows: along the length, across the width and up to the roof. Then it checks the weight: if the cartons would be heavier than the container’s maximum payload, the weight limit wins. Real loaders sometimes squeeze in a few more by mixing orientations at the end of the container, so treat the result as a safe planning number.
Container sizes at a glance
| Type | Inside L × W × H | Volume | Usable in practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ft standard | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | 33 m³ | about 25–28 m³ |
| 40 ft standard | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | 67.7 m³ | about 55–58 m³ |
| 40 ft high cube | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.70 m | 76.4 m³ | about 65–68 m³ |
“Usable” is lower than the full volume because cartons rarely divide the inside dimensions exactly, and you need a little air for loading and for cartons that bulge.
Weight: the limit people forget
A 20-foot container can usually carry about 28 tonnes, but Indian roads also limit the total weight of the truck, trailer and container. Heavy cargo such as tiles, granite, steel or rice often fills a 20-foot container by weight long before it is full by volume. For heavy goods, a 20-foot container is usually better value than a 40-foot one.
Tips for a better load
- Choose carton sizes that divide 235 cm (container width) well — 58.5 cm, 78 cm or 117 cm wide cartons waste little space.
- Put heavy cartons at the bottom and spread weight evenly along the length.
- Pallets are easier to handle but take 10–15 cm of height and space between them; floor-loading fits more.
- Use dunnage bags or timber to stop the load shifting at sea.
Questions
How many cartons fit in a 40 ft container?
It depends on the carton. For example, 60 × 40 × 40 cm cartons fit 500 in a 40-foot standard container and 600 in a 40-foot high cube, and 225 in a 20-foot container. Enter your own sizes for an exact count.
What is the difference between 40GP and 40HC?
Both are 12 m long and 2.35 m wide inside. A high cube (HC) is about 30 cm taller, giving roughly 76 m³ instead of 67 m³ — useful for light, bulky cargo.
How much weight can a 20 ft container carry?
Typically around 28 tonnes of cargo, but the exact maximum is on the CSC plate on the door, and road weight rules in India may limit it further.
Does the calculator use pallets?
No, it assumes cartons are floor-loaded. If you use pallets, enter the pallet with its cartons as one large “carton”.
Sources
Last checked 2026-11-11. Free to use; please check important details before you rely on them.