Moving Truck Size Calculator
Find the right moving truck size and number of trips for your home.
Formula and sources updated · Data sources · 1View algorithm, constants and default inputs (JSON)
About this calculator
This rough volume model uses fixed cubic-foot allowances for rooms, large items and boxes, then compares the estimate with four truck capacities. Actual usable space and truck availability vary; confirm capacity and loading access with the rental company. The recommendation is the smallest listed truck that can hold the estimate in one trip. Above the largest capacity, it uses the largest truck and estimates multiple trips; it does not optimize rental cost.
Worked example
calculated with the default values below
Bedrooms 3 · Living areas 2 · Large appliances and furniture 6 · Number of boxes 90 Recommended truck size Large truck · Estimated volume 1,605 cu ft · Likely capacity 1,200 cu ft · Trips needed 2.0 · Space utilisation 66.9 %
Method and assumptions
V = 250b + 180l + 45g + 2.5x; C₀=250, C₁=450, C₂=700, C₃=1200; i = max({k ∈ {0,1,2,3} : C_k < V} ∪ {0}); C = C_i; T = max(1, ⌈V ÷ C⌉) Estimated volume = 250 cu ft per bedroom + 180 per living area + 45 per large item + 2.5 per box. Selects the largest vehicle class crossed by volume thresholds (250/450/700/1,200 cu ft), then estimates trips by ceiling(volume/capacity). This is a rough volume model and does not assess payload weight or actual rental inventory. This rough volume model uses fixed cubic-foot allowances for rooms, large items and boxes, then compares the estimate with four truck capacities. Actual usable space and truck availability vary; confirm capacity and loading access with the rental company. The recommendation is the smallest listed truck that can hold the estimate in one trip. Above the largest capacity, it uses the largest truck and estimates multiple trips; it does not optimize rental cost. Use the cited guidance and your own measurements, bills or product specifications to choose inputs. Sample defaults are not current local data.
Data sources
Use the cited guidance and your own measurements, bills or product specifications to choose inputs. Sample defaults are not current local data.
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
V = 250b + 180l + 45g + 2.5x; C₀=250, C₁=450, C₂=700, C₃=1200; i = max({k ∈ {0,1,2,3} : C_k < V} ∪ {0}); C = C_i; T = max(1, ⌈V ÷ C⌉)
- V
- Total load volume (cu ft)
- b, l, g, x
- Bedrooms, living rooms, large items, boxes
- C_k
- Truck capacities: 250 / 450 / 700 / 1200 cu ft
- i
- Selected truck index (largest capacity strictly below V)
- C
- Selected truck capacity, C = C_i
- T
- Number of trips
Estimated volume = 250 cu ft per bedroom + 180 per living area + 45 per large item + 2.5 per box. Selects the largest vehicle class crossed by volume thresholds (250/450/700/1,200 cu ft), then estimates trips by ceiling(volume/capacity). This is a rough volume model and does not assess payload weight or actual rental inventory.
Frequently asked questions
How does the model decide how many truck trips are needed?
It estimates household volume from bedrooms, living areas, large items and boxes, then divides by the selected truck’s capacity and rounds up. This is a rough volume model, not a mover’s loading plan. Packing efficiency, weight limits and furniture dimensions can change the actual number of trips.
Which inputs and limits apply to Moving Truck Size Calculator?
Use the units shown beside each field. These are form limits, not recommended settings. Bedrooms: 0–20; Living areas: 0–10; Large appliances and furniture: 0–100; Number of boxes: 0–5,000 V = 250b + 180l + 45g + 2.5x; C₀=250, C₁=450, C₂=700, C₃=1200; i = max({k ∈ {0,1,2,3} : C_k < V} ∪ {0}); C = C_i; T = max(1, ⌈V ÷ C⌉) Estimated volume = 250 cu ft per bedroom + 180 per living area + 45 per large item + 2.5 per box. Selects the largest vehicle class crossed by volume thresholds (250/450/700/1,200 cu ft), then estimates trips by ceiling(volume/capacity). This is a rough volume model and does not assess payload weight or actual rental inventory. This rough volume model uses fixed cubic-foot allowances for rooms, large items and boxes, then compares the estimate with four truck capacities. Actual usable space and truck availability vary; confirm capacity and loading access with the rental company. The recommendation is the smallest listed truck that can hold the estimate in one trip. Above the largest capacity, it uses the largest truck and estimates multiple trips; it does not optimize rental cost. Use the cited guidance and your own measurements, bills or product specifications to choose inputs. Sample defaults are not current local data.
What is a complete worked example for Bedrooms = 3; Living areas = 2?
Inputs: Bedrooms = 3; Living areas = 2; Large appliances and furniture = 6; Number of boxes = 90. Calculation: V = 250b + 180l + 45g + 2.5x; C₀=250, C₁=450, C₂=700, C₃=1200; i = max({k ∈ {0,1,2,3} : C_k < V} ∪ {0}); C = C_i; T = max(1, ⌈V ÷ C⌉). Results: Recommended truck size = Large truck; Estimated volume = 1,605 cu ft; Likely capacity = 1,200 cu ft; Trips needed = 2.0; Space utilisation = 66.9 %.