Container Loading Calculator
Compute how many drums, IBCs, big bags, or paper-bag pallets fit a 20'GP, 40'GP, 40'HC, or reefer container. The calculator returns the unit count, the weight-out vs cube-out determination, and the container utilisation percentages on both axes.
Source: ISO 668:2020 (series 1 freight containers) and ISO 1496-1. Calculator applies a 95% volume utilisation factor to account for cargo geometry and packaging void space. Carrier-specific equipment may differ ±50–200 kg on tare.
Calculator method (so you can verify by hand)
- Units per tier: floor(internal length ÷ unit footprint length) × floor(internal width ÷ unit footprint width).
- Tier count: the lesser of (internal height ÷ unit height) and the packaging's stack rating.
- Volume cap: units capped at floor(internal volume × 0.95 ÷ unit volume) to allow for void space.
- Weight cap: floor(container max payload ÷ (unit net mass + tare)).
- Loading result: the lower of the volume cap and the weight cap. The lower of the two is the limiting factor.
For a deeper breakdown of cargo packaging see the glossary entries: 20-foot container, 40-foot container, 40-foot high cube, reefer container, drum, IBC, big bag, and ISO tank.
Bulk liquid in an ISO tank?
ISO tank loading uses different math: thermal-expansion fill cap, hard ceiling 95% or 97% by hazard class, the 20% to 80% surge floor, plus MAWP and lining-compatibility checks. That calculator lives on its own page.
Open the ISO Tank Loading Calculator