Calculator
Container Calculator: Which Container Fits Your Cargo and How Many Pallets?
Enter the dimensions, weight and quantity of your boxes or pallets to see how many fit in a 20ft, 40ft, 40ft HC or 45ft HC container, how many containers you need, and how full they are by volume and weight. The calculator uses the internal dimensions and payloads on our Container Dimensions page.
How many pallets fit in a container?
Single-layer floor capacity found by the calculator, with a 1 cm gap between pallets:
| Container | Euro pallet (120×80) | Standard pallet (120×100) | Internal floor (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20′ DC | 11 | 9 | 5.898 × 2.352 |
| 40′ DC | 23 | 20 | 12.031 × 2.352 |
| 40′ HC | 23 | 20 | 12.031 × 2.352 |
| 45′ HC | 27 | 24 | 13.544 × 2.352 |
If pallets can be stacked and the internal height (239.4 cm in DC, 269.8 cm in HC) allows, multiply by the number of layers, and check the payload limit.
Container internal dimensions, volume and payload
| Type | Internal length × width × height (m) | Volume (m³) | Max payload (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20′ DC | 5.898 × 2.352 × 2.394 | 33.20 | 21,630 |
| 40′ DC | 12.031 × 2.352 × 2.394 | 67.74 | 26,480 |
| 40′ HC | 12.031 × 2.352 × 2.698 | 76.30 | 26,500 |
| 45′ HC | 13.544 × 2.352 × 2.698 | 86.00 | 25,680 |
| 20′ RF | 5.449 × 2.290 × 2.244 | 26.70 | 20,950 |
| 40′ RF | 11.690 × 2.250 × 2.247 | 57.10 | 25,960 |
Values vary by a few centimetres and a few hundred kilograms between manufacturers and lines. For all types and door openings see Container Dimensions.
Volume or weight: which runs out first?
Dividing the payload by the internal volume gives the cargo density at which a container fills by weight first:
- 20′ DC: about 652 kg/m³
- 40′ DC: about 391 kg/m³
- 40′ HC: about 347 kg/m³
- 45′ HC: about 299 kg/m³
If your cargo density (total kg ÷ total m³) is above this value, the container reaches its weight limit before it is full. That is why a 20′ DC can be more efficient for heavy cargo and a 40′ HC for light, bulky cargo: a 40′ DC offers twice the volume but only about 22% more payload than a 20′ DC.
How the calculator works
- It places the box or pallet on the container floor in both orientations and in mixed lanes, and keeps the layout that fits the most units.
- With “Can be laid on its side”, every face of the box is tried as the base; with “Stackable”, it counts the layers that fit the internal height.
- Units per container are also checked against the payload; the table shows the limiting factor (volume/space or weight).
- The recommended container carries the whole load with the fewest containers; on a tie, the smaller type wins.
- The result is a theoretical maximum; door clearance, securing and weight distribution can reduce the real load.
Frequently asked questions
How many pallets fit in a 20ft container?
Single layer: 11 Euro pallets (120×80 cm) or 9 standard pallets (120×100 cm). If the pallets can be stacked and height and payload allow, multiply by the number of layers.
How many pallets fit in a 40ft container?
The 40′ DC and 40′ HC have the same floor (12.031 × 2.352 m). Single layer: 23 Euro pallets or 20 standard pallets. A 45′ HC takes 27 and 24.
What is the volume of a 20ft container?
A 20′ DC has 33.20 m³ of internal volume; a 40′ DC 67.74 m³, a 40′ HC 76.30 m³ and a 45′ HC 86.00 m³.
What is the difference between a 40′ HC and a 40′ DC?
Same floor; internal height is 269.8 cm for the 40′ HC and 239.4 cm for the 40′ DC. The 30.4 cm difference raises internal volume from 67.74 m³ to 76.30 m³.
Is the calculator result exact?
No, it is an estimate for planning. Door clearance, securing material, weight distribution and packaging can reduce the real load. The line or carrier confirms final figures.
Send us the dimensions and the route; the relevant office will get back to you.