Container Loading Calculator
Estimate carton fit by grid orientation and payload for common container sizes.
Last updated · View algorithm, constants and default inputs (JSON)
About this calculator
This is a rectangular grid-packing estimate using carton dimensions in cm and carton weight in kg. It tests six axis-aligned carton orientations, applies the selected stacking limit and container payload, then discounts the smaller limit by 15% as a planning allowance. It does not model pallets, door clearance, loading equipment, voids, balance or carton stacking strength; actual container specifications vary.
Worked example
calculated with the default values below
Container type 40 ft high cube (76.4 m³) · Carton length 60 cm · Carton width 40 cm · Carton height 40 cm · Weight per carton 15 kg · Can cartons be stacked Yes, up to the roof Cartons along the length 20 · Cartons across the width 5 · Cartons stacked high 6 · Cartons per container 600 · Planning estimate (85% of fit) 510 · Cartons allowed by weight 1,784 · Limiting factor Space limit reached first · Volume used 48.96 m³
General background references
Disclaimer
These calculators provide planning estimates only. Building codes, wiring regulations and safety requirements differ by country and change over time, and nothing here replaces a licensed professional or a permit. For structural, electrical or gas work, follow local code and have the installation inspected.
Implementation source
This record describes the implementation used by this page. It is not independent validation. External references, when available, support only the stated formula or definition; estimates and custom rules retain their own assumptions.
Formula and variables
N = ⌊L ÷ l⌋ × ⌊W ÷ w⌋ × ⌊H ÷ h⌋; N_real = 0.85 × min(N, ⌊P ÷ m⌋)
- L,W,H
- container inner dimensions in cm
- l,w,h
- carton dimensions in cm
- P
- payload limit in kg
- m
- carton weight in kg
- N
- theoretical cartons
- N_real
- realistic cartons
Tests all six unique axis-aligned carton orientations against approximate CMA CGM internal dimensions and payload. The planning estimate applies an 85% allowance to the tighter of grid count and payload limit; it excludes pallets, clearances, equipment, voids, weight balance, and carton strength. Verify actual equipment specs.
Frequently asked questions
What should I know about this estimate?
This is a rectangular grid-packing estimate using carton dimensions in cm and carton weight in kg. It tests six axis-aligned carton orientations, applies the selected stacking limit and container payload, then discounts the smaller limit by 15% as a planning allowance. It does not model pallets, door clearance, loading equipment, voids, balance or carton stacking strength; actual container specifications vary.
How does weight affect the carton estimate?
For the default 40-foot high-cube model, the weight cap is 26,760 kg, or 1,784 cartons at 15 kg each. But the default carton dimensions fit 600 cartons in the grid, so space is the binding limit; the 15% planning allowance reduces that to 510. Actual container dimensions and payload vary, so check the specific unit.