---
title: "Container Loading Calculator"
description: "How many cartons fit before cube-out or weigh-out — 20GP, 40GP, 40HC."
image: "https://nestingcalc.com/og-default.png"
url: "https://nestingcalc.com/container-loading-calculator/"
locale: "en"
---

# Container Loading Calculator

How many cartons fit before cube-out or weigh-out — 20GP, 40GP, 40HC.

Enter carton dimensions (or CBM per carton), weight per carton and the container type. The calculator compares the volume limit against the payload limit, tells you which one binds, shows the balanced density for the container, and counts how many containers a planned quantity needs.

Interactive calculator (open in browser): [https://nestingcalc.com/container-loading-calculator/](https://nestingcalc.com/container-loading-calculator/)

## FAQ

What is the difference between cube-out and weigh-out?

Cube-out means the container is full by volume before reaching the payload limit (light, bulky cargo). Weigh-out means the weight limit is reached while volume remains (dense cargo, e.g. timber and machinery). The balanced density — payload ÷ usable volume — is the tipping point: about 390 kg/m³ for a 40HC and roughly 950–1,000 kg/m³ for a 20GP.

How many CBM actually fit in a 40' high cube container?

The nominal internal volume is about 76.4 CBM, but door posts, corrugations and loading gaps reduce practical stowage to 62–68 CBM for cartonized cargo. The preset uses 68 CBM; adjust it to match your carton mix and loading method.

Why is the payload lower than the container marking?

The 26,500–28,200 kg figures are container maxima. Road weight limits at origin or destination (often 21,700–25,000 kg for a 20GP) and per-route vessel rules usually cap the legal payload lower. Always confirm with your carrier and enter their number.

## Related calculators

-   [Stowage Factor Calculator](https://nestingcalc.com/stowage-factor-calculator/)

    SF = volume ÷ tonnes — check timber parcels against IMO reference ranges.

-   [Timber Unit Converter (m³, BF, MBF, Hoppus)](https://nestingcalc.com/timber-unit-converter/)

    Convert between cubic metres, board feet, Hoppus units and prices — free.

## Related guides

-   [Cube-Out vs Weigh-Out: Which Limit Stops Your Container First?](https://nestingcalc.com/guides/container-loading-cube-out-weigh-out/)

    Balanced density per container — about 1.0 t/m³ in a 20GP, 0.46 in a 40GP, 0.39 in a 40HC — why timber sometimes fills by volume and sometimes by weight, with worked examples.

-   [The Material Order Checklist: Before You Buy Steel, Wood or Tile](https://nestingcalc.com/guides/material-order-checklist/)

    Ten minutes of checking before the order saves a second trip to the supplier.

-   [7 Ways to Reduce Cutting Waste in Your Workshop](https://nestingcalc.com/guides/reduce-cutting-waste/)

    Offcuts add up fast. Seven field-tested habits that cut material costs by 10–20%.

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