Container Packing Calculator

Enter shipment and carton details

Container length (cm)

Container width (cm)

Container height (cm)

Door width (cm)

Door height (cm)

Maximum payload (kg)

Carton length (cm)

Carton width (cm)

Carton height (cm)

Carton weight (kg)

Clearance each side (cm)

Orientation mode

Example data table

Item	Value	Unit	Purpose
Container length	1203	cm	Typical internal length for a 40-foot container
Container width	235	cm	Internal usable width before clearance deductions
Container height	239	cm	Internal height for stacking cartons vertically
Door opening	234 × 228	cm	Fast loading feasibility check for the carton
Carton size	60 × 40 × 35	cm	Outer packed size of one shipment carton
Carton weight	18	kg	Used to determine payload-limited count
Payload limit	28000	kg	Maximum cargo weight allowed in the unit
Clearance	2	cm	Safety allowance on each interior side

Formula used

1. Usable dimensions
Usable dimension = Internal dimension − (2 × clearance).

2. Cartons per direction
Count along each axis = floor(Usable dimension ÷ carton dimension in that orientation).

3. Space-limited cartons
Space count = Count along length × Count along width × Count along height.

4. Weight-limited cartons
Weight count = floor(Maximum payload ÷ carton weight).

5. Final recommended cartons
Final count = minimum(Space count, Weight count).

6. Utilization
Volume utilization = Loaded cargo volume ÷ usable container volume. Payload utilization = Loaded cargo weight ÷ maximum payload.

How to use this calculator

Enter the container’s internal length, width, and height.
Provide door opening values for a quick loading check.
Add the maximum allowed payload in kilograms.
Enter one carton’s outer dimensions and packed weight.
Set a clearance allowance for handling and tolerance.
Choose whether cartons can rotate freely or stay upright.
Click the calculate button to see the best arrangement.
Review counts, utilization, and the orientation comparison chart.
Export the result as CSV or PDF when needed.

FAQs

1. What does this calculator estimate?

It estimates how many identical cartons fit inside one container using dimension, clearance, and payload limits. It also compares carton orientations and highlights the best option.

2. Does the tool consider carton rotation?

Yes. You can allow all six orientations, only base rotation, or keep cartons upright. This helps compare practical loading rules against maximum geometric capacity.

3. Is the door check a full loading simulation?

No. It is a quick dimensional screen that checks whether the carton can fit through the opening in at least one face orientation. Real handling still depends on turning space and equipment.

4. Why is the final carton count lower than space count?

That usually means the payload limit was reached before the container volume filled. In heavy products, weight becomes the controlling factor instead of space.

5. Should I enter internal or external container dimensions?

Use internal dimensions for the most realistic result. External container size does not represent the actual loadable space available to cartons.

6. What clearance value should I use?

Use a small allowance for wall gaps, floor unevenness, tolerances, and handling safety. Many planners start with 1 to 3 centimeters per side, then adjust operationally.

7. Can I use this for pallets or irregular items?

It is designed for identical rectangular cartons. You can approximate palletized loads by entering pallet dimensions, but mixed or irregular cargo needs more advanced simulation.

8. What do the chart and export buttons provide?

The chart compares final counts across all tested orientations. The export buttons let you save a spreadsheet-style summary or create a shareable PDF version of the result block.