20ft and 40ft Shipping Container Capacity Calculator
Check how much nominal container volume your shipment occupies and estimate a planning count at an adjustable assumed utilisation percentage.
Carton dimensions and quantities
Example values — replace with your own measurements.
| Product | Length | Width | Height | Unit | Weight per carton | Weight unit | Quantity | Remove |
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Shipment results
Calculation:Containers
Container figures are volume-only planning estimates: they ignore item fit, pallets, load securing, payload limits, door clearance and carrier-specific equipment. Actual chargeable weight also depends on contract rules.
Calculation: 20ft and 40ft Shipping Container Capacity Calculator
Check how much nominal container volume your shipment occupies and estimate a planning count at an adjustable assumed utilisation percentage.
Cargo calculator
- Enter cargo dimensions and quantities across the shipment rows.
- Choose a planning utilisation rate, such as 85%, rather than assuming all nominal volume is usable.
- Compare percentage fill and the volume-only container counts; verify real equipment dimensions and loading with a carrier.
Standard dry-container volume references
Typical internal volumes are around 33.2 m³ for a 20-foot dry container, 67.7 m³ for a 40-foot dry container and 76.3 m³ for a 40-foot high cube. Published figures vary by manufacturer and equipment owner; verify the container dimensions on the actual booking.
Calculating volume utilisation
Divide your cargo CBM by the nominal internal container volume and multiply by 100. For example, 19.2 m³ represents about 57.8% of the theoretical 33.2 m³ 20-foot volume. A separate planning count uses your selected utilisation fraction—85% by default—but is not a physical packing simulation.
Why volume alone cannot guarantee fit
Pallet arrangement, carton dimensions, permissible orientation, internal protrusions, lifting equipment, door size, cargo securing, axle limits and payload restrictions may prevent an apparently suitable shipment from fitting safely. The calculated count ignores these constraints and is only a high-level estimate. Consult a freight forwarder before booking.
Comparing the three common containers
A 40-foot high cube has additional height compared with a standard 40-foot unit, but that additional space only helps if your goods can use it safely. For dense products, maximum permitted payload may matter before internal volume is exhausted.
Frequently asked questions
How much CBM is in a 20ft container?
A common reference is approximately 33.2 m³, although actual specifications can vary.
Can 33 CBM of cartons always fit in a 20ft container?
No. This is near the nominal internal volume and does not account for packing geometry, weight limits, pallets or clearances.
Technical reference: DSV container dimension guide and DHL volumetric-weight explanation. Published equipment and pricing factors vary.