Box Truck Cubic Feet Calculator
Convert a box truck’s cargo box dimensions in feet and inches to total and usable cubic feet, and estimate how many standard moving boxes it holds.
How it works
Gross cu ft = L × W × H (feet) · Usable = gross × efficiency% · Boxes ≈ usable ÷ 3 cu ft
When the box dimensions are already in feet, cubic feet is a direct length × width × height with no conversion. The gross figure is the theoretical maximum; real loads lose a quarter or more to gaps between furniture, mattresses that will not stack and irregular shapes, so a packing-efficiency factor gives a usable number. Dividing that by the ~3 cubic feet of a standard medium moving box turns the volume into a tangible box count for planning a move.
Worked example
A 16 ft box that is 7.5 ft wide and 7 ft tall is 16 × 7.5 × 7 = 840 cu ft gross. At 75% packing efficiency that is 630 usable cu ft — about 630 ÷ 3 = 210 medium moving boxes’ worth of space.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic feet is a 16-foot box truck?
Around 800–850 cubic feet gross, depending on the exact interior width and height. A typical 16 ft box (about 7.5 ft wide and 7 ft tall) works out near 840 cu ft before you account for packing losses.
How many boxes fit in a box truck?
Divide the usable cubic feet by the volume of your box size — a standard medium box is about 3 cu ft. But a real move mixes furniture and boxes, so treat the box count as a capacity gauge, not an exact load plan.
Why apply a packing efficiency?
Because you cannot fill a truck like a solid block. Furniture leaves gaps, fragile items need space, and odd shapes waste corners. A 70–80% efficiency reflects how much of the gross volume you can genuinely use.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.