Free Logistics Tool

Container Calculator

Simulate 20ft GP, 40ft GP, and 40ft HQ container loading with your package dimensions. Calculate CBM, capacity utilization, and determine how many containers you need for your sea freight shipment.

3 Container Types 100% Free to Use Real-time Results Private — runs in your browser

Container Type

20ft GP

590 × 235 × 239 cm

Length: 590 cm

Width: 235 cm

Height: 239 cm

CBM: 33.2 m³

Max Weight: 25,000 kg

Pallets: 10 pcs

Package List

Utilization Factor (%)

Results

Container Dimensions 0 × 0 × 0 cm

Total Package CBM 0.000 m³

Container Capacity 0.0 m³

Utilization 0%

Estimated Weight 0 kg

Containers Needed 0

Capacity Utilization 0%

CBM = (L × W × H) / 1,000,000 m³

How It Works

Simulate Container Loading in 3 Steps

Estimate how many containers you need based on your package dimensions and stacking configuration.

Pick Container Type

Select from 20ft GP (33.2 m³), 40ft GP (67.7 m³), or 40ft HQ (76.4 m³). Each type has different internal dimensions and cargo capacity.

Add Your Packages

Enter length, width, height, quantity, and stack layers for each package type. The calculator handles multiple package sizes in one shipment.

Get Loading Results

See total CBM, container utilization, estimated weight, and how many containers you need. Optimize your mix to maximize container usage.

Benefits

Why Use a Container Calculator

Sea freight is the backbone of global e-commerce. Accurate container estimation saves money and prevents shipping delays.

Right-Size Your Shipment

Order the correct number of containers. Under-ordering means delayed shipments; over-ordering wastes money on unused space and empty container returns.

Compare Container Types

20ft, 40ft, and 40HQ each have cost and capacity tradeoffs. See which combination minimizes your per-CBM shipping cost for your package mix.

Plan Packing Strategy

Adjust stacking layers and orientation to maximize utilization. Simple changes in how you pack can significantly increase a container's effective capacity.

Accurate Cost Forecasting

Container shipping costs are a major part of landed cost. Know exactly how many containers you need to get accurate freight quotes from carriers.

Multi-SKU Support

Shipping multiple product sizes? Add all your package types in one calculation. The tool accounts for different dimensions and quantities in one container load.

Realistic Utilization

Container utilization never reaches 100% due to gaps, aisle space, and cargo handling. The built-in utilization factor gives you realistic, actionable estimates.

Tips

How to Maximize Container Utilization

These practical tips will help you pack more cargo into each container and reduce per-unit shipping costs.

Standardize Package Sizes

Fewer SKU sizes mean more efficient packing. Standardized boxes nest better and leave less wasted space between packages.

Orient Packages Optimaly

Try different length-width-height orientations. Sometimes rotating packages 90° allows more rows or columns to fit, boosting utilization.

Stack Heavy at Bottom

Place heavier packages on the bottom layers and lighter ones on top. This protects goods and maintains stack stability during transit.

Use Pallets Strategically

A 20ft container fits 10 standard pallets, a 40ft fits 24. If palletizing, plan your layout first — it often dictates the optimal container size.

Calculate with Realistic Factors

Use 80-85% utilization for planning. This accounts for gaps, packaging irregularities, and loading constraints. Don't plan for 100% — reality never achieves it.

Consider Mixed Container Strategies

For shipments between 35-40 CBM, one 40ft GP is cheaper than two 20ft containers. The per-CBM rate drops significantly with larger containers.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about container loading, CBM calculation, and sea freight shipping.

Standard 20ft GP: 590 × 235 × 239 cm (33.2 m³). Standard 40ft GP: 1203 × 235 × 239 cm (67.7 m³). High-cube 40ft HQ: 1203 × 235 × 269 cm (76.4 m³). Always verify exact internal dimensions with your carrier, as they can vary slightly.

CBM (cubic meters) = (Length × Width × Height) / 1,000,000 when dimensions are in centimeters. For multiple packages, multiply the single-package CBM by the quantity. The formula gives you the total volume your cargo occupies.

Several factors prevent 100% utilization: gaps between boxes, packaging overhangs, aisle space for loading/unloading, weight distribution requirements, and the physical impossibility of perfectly packing irregular shapes. Realistic utilization ranges are 75-90% depending on your package types.

A standard 20ft GP fits 10 European pallets (1200 × 800 mm) or 10 ISO pallets (1200 × 1000 mm). A 40ft GP fits 24 pallets (12 × 2 in one arrangement, or 24 in a different layout). A 40ft HQ also fits 24 pallets but offers more height for stacking.

The main difference is height. A 40ft GP has 239 cm of internal height, while a 40ft HQ (High Cube) has 269 cm — 30 cm more. This gives the HQ model an extra 8.7 m³ of capacity (76.4 vs 67.7 m³), useful for stacking taller cargo or adding an extra layer of pallets.

Stack layers represent how many layers of packages you can stack vertically. Each layer contributes to the total CBM. For example, if a package is 30 cm tall and you can stack 7 layers (7 × 30 = 210 cm, fitting under the 239 cm ceiling), the total CBM per package = L × W × H × layers / 1,000,000.

A 40ft GP holds 67.7 m³, while two 20ft containers hold 66.4 m³ combined. For cargo between 33-67 m³, a single 40ft is usually cheaper (one set of documentation, one haul, one vessel space). For cargo under 33 m³, one 20ft is sufficient. Two 20ft containers only make sense when you need them for separate destinations or cargo segregation.

This calculator uses a simple stacking model that assumes uniform package dimensions and 100% floor coverage per layer. Actual loading may vary based on package shape, handling requirements, carrier restrictions, and real-world packing. Use it for early-stage planning and always confirm with your freight forwarder before booking.

Yes. The Container Calculator is completely free, requires no sign-up, and runs entirely in your browser. Your package dimensions and shipping data never leave your device.

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