Container Loading Calculator

Our container loading calculator can help you with everything from figuring out how many boxes fit in a container to optimizing your shipping space. With a handy container size chart and a step-by-step guide on "how do I fill a container", you'll have all the tools you need to make the most out of your shipments.

Filling a container sounds easy, right? Just throw your stuff in there, and you're good to go. Well… It might be that easy, only if you don't care about the costs. If you want to save some money on shipping, it can be a challenge.

Shipping containers are usually expensive, so you definitely want to make the most out of your investment. That’s where our container loading calculator comes in handy. It's designed to help you determine the most efficient way to stack your packages inside a container, calculate the number of boxes that fit in a container, and even assist in calculating container volume. Simply select your container type from our drop-down list, enter the dimensions of your package, and you'll see the results, including instructions on how to pack your items.

Keep reading to learn:

• How many packages fit in a container;
• How to calculate container volume; and
• How to use the container loading calculator.

In the container size chart below, you'll find the most popular container sizes listed in both metric and imperial units.

If you don't see your container’s size here, simply select 'Custom' from our list and enter your own dimensions. This way, you can obtain accurate results regardless of the container you’re using. Choose wisely — the dimensions directly impact how many boxes fit in a container.

Calculating the volume of a container is actually pretty straightforward. Since a container is essentially a large box, you simply need to multiply its length, width, and height. The formula looks like this:

You can use the same formula to find out the volume of your package. Once you have both volumes, you can divide the container volume by the package volume to get a rough idea of how many packages can fit inside. However, here's the catch: this method isn't always accurate because limitations, such as the package's shape and orientation, can prevent you from filling the entire space.

That's why we've created this smart calculator. It not only considers the volume, but also how to best position your packages to maximize the use of available space. This way, you get a more accurate count of how many items will actually fit in the container.

Using our container loading calculator is fast, easy, and can save you tons of money! Just follow these steps to calculate how to optimize your shipment:

• Select container type — First, choose your container size from the drop-down list. If you're using a standard shipping container, you'll probably find it in the list. If you're using a custom container (or simply want to experiment with the calculations), select 'Custom' and enter your container's length, width, and height in the chosen units.
• Enter package information — Next, move on to the "Package information" section. Here, you'll need to provide the dimensions of your package, including its length, width, and height. Ensure these measurements are accurate to achieve the best results.

After entering all your data, the calculator will show you three main pieces of information:

• The volume of a single package.
• The total number of packages that can fit inside the container.
• How much of the container is being used (utilization percentage).
• The number of layers of packages.
• The number of packages per layer.
• A detailed breakdown of how to position your packages inside the container.