Shipping Container Carton Capacity Calculator

How it works

Cartons = max over the 6 orientations of ⌊L/a⌋ × ⌊W/b⌋ × ⌊H/c⌋, capped at payload ÷ carton weight; CBM = L × W × H (m); LCL revenue ton = max(CBM, tonnes)

Floor-loading cartons straight into a container avoids pallet cube and is how most Asia-origin consumer goods ship. The count is the product of how many cartons fit along the interior length, width and height in the best of the six orientations, with a practical utilisation of 85–90% once you allow for door clearance and mixed sizes. Weight rarely governs unless the goods are dense (tiles, canned food), when the 26–28 t payload — and often lower road limits at destination — cap the load first. For partial loads, LCL is charged per revenue ton, the greater of cubic metres and tonnes; above roughly 15 CBM a full 20-foot box is usually cheaper.

Worked example

60 × 40 × 35 cm cartons of 12 kg in a 40' high-cube: 20 along, 6 across (cartons on their side with the 35 cm face across) and 6 high = 720 cartons (0.084 m³ each, 80% of 76 m³, 8,640 kg). 800 cartons (67 CBM) therefore need two boxes — or one 40' HC plus 80 cartons (6.7 CBM) as LCL.

Frequently asked questions