Stowage Factor Calculator
SF = volume ÷ tonnes — check timber parcels against IMO reference ranges.
Enter the total volume and total mass of your timber parcel. The calculator returns the stowage factor in m³/t and highlights which IMO CSS Code reference ranges for wood cargoes (sawn timber, tropical logs, plywood, flat-pack) your shipment falls into.
FAQ
What is the stowage factor?
The stowage factor (SF) is the volume in cubic metres occupied by one metric tonne of cargo: SF = total m³ ÷ total tonnes. Fresh tropical hardwood logs typically stow at 1.3–2.8 m³/t, while sawn timber with square ends runs 1.8–3.4 m³/t.
Why does the stowage factor matter for timber shipping?
Ships and charterers price freight per tonne but load by volume. A parcel with a high SF fills the hold before reaching the deadweight limit, so it pays for unused capacity. Comparing your SF against the IMO reference ranges shows whether your parcel is typical for its cargo type.
How do I convert stowage factor to cargo density?
Cargo density in kg/m³ is simply 1000 ÷ SF. A stowage factor of 1.4 m³/t equals ≈714 kg/m³ — dense enough to hit container weight limits before the volume fills (a 40' high cube balances at about 390 kg/m³).