Load planning
Container Loading Calculator
This planner checks homogeneous cargo against inner dimensions, door opening, payload, orientation, quantity, and tier limits. Loaded quantity is the smallest of geometric capacity, payload capacity, and requested quantity. It follows a cited Hapag-Lloyd and Hapag-Lloyd and Hapag-Lloyd source record captured 2026-08-12.
Estimate how many identical cartons fit by dimensions and payload, with editable equipment and a visual plan.
Enter shipment details
Planning result
225 of 500 cartons fit in this planning arrangement
- Capacity ceiling
- 225
- Left over
- 275
- Loaded weight
- 4,500 kg
- Limiting check
- dimensions
Heuristic estimate using 20' dry reference dimensions. Actual equipment varies. Door, dunnage, load sequence, securing, balance, and local weight limits require review.
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What this calculator returns
Use this container loading calculator to estimate how many identical rectangular cartons fit in a selected dry container by internal dimensions and payload. It is intended for exporters, freight forwarders, and load planners performing an early capacity check before confirming equipment, cargo sequence, weight distribution, dunnage, airflow, and securement with operational specialists.
How this is calculated
The planner tests the carton footprint in its entered orientation and, when rotation is allowed, after a 90-degree turn. It divides container internal length, width, and height by the corresponding carton dimensions and keeps only whole cartons. Geometric capacity is compared with payload capacity and requested quantity, and the smallest value becomes loaded quantity.
A separate door check compares the carton cross-section with the published example door opening. The visual represents one floor tier of the selected rectangular arrangement. It is not a three-dimensional optimization of mixed orientations or a loading sequence.
Loaded quantity is the smallest of geometric capacity, payload capacity, and requested quantity.
Variable definitions
- Lc, Wc, Hc
- Published example internal container length, width, and height.
- Li, Wi, Hi
- Outside packaged length, width, and height of one identical cargo item.
- P
- Container maximum payload compared with item gross weight.
- Capacity
- The lower of geometric fit, payload-limited fit, and quantity available.
Worked example
For a 20 foot dry reference container with internal dimensions of 590 by 235.2 by 239.5 centimeters, a 60 by 40 by 40 centimeter carton can fit nine along the length, five across the width, and five tiers high in one tested orientation. That produces a geometric ceiling of 225 cartons.
At 20 kilograms each, 225 cartons weigh 4,500 kilograms, below the 28,130 kilogram example payload. If 500 cartons are available, dimensions control and the planner loads 225. Real loading can be lower after dunnage, voids, bracing, door clearance, sequence, and weight distribution are considered.
How to interpret the result
A dimensions-limited result means the tested rectangular grid fills before the example payload is reached. A weight-limited result means payload is reached first. A door warning means the entered carton cannot pass through the example opening in the tested upright cross-section even if internal space appears sufficient.
Container specifications vary by manufacturer and individual unit. Use the preset only for early planning, then confirm the container supplied for the booking. High-density cargo also requires checks for floor loading, axle limits, local road limits, and safe weight distribution.
What to measure
Use the outside packaged dimensions as the shipment will be tendered. Include pallets, skids, cartons, wrapping, overhang, and projections. Weigh the complete packaged unit, not only its contents. When pieces differ, create a separate row or calculation for each size and weight combination.
Assumptions and limitations
This is a rectangular packing heuristic, not a certified loading plan. Equipment varies, and it does not model dunnage, axle load, center of gravity, sequence, airflow, dangerous goods, or securing.
- It does not optimize mixed cargo, mixed orientations within a layer, or loading sequence.
- It does not model dunnage, pallets, bracing, lashing, center of gravity, axle loads, floor point loads, or dangerous goods segregation.
- It does not certify that cargo can be loaded through the door or handled with available equipment.
- Published container dimensions are fleet examples, and the actual booked unit can differ.
Rules and sources used
Frequently asked questions
Why can actual container capacity be lower?
Dunnage, pallets, bracing, irregular packaging, loading clearance, weight distribution, airflow, and sequence can all reduce usable capacity from a rectangular estimate.
Does the calculator include pallet dimensions?
Only if the entered cargo dimensions already describe the complete palletized load. Enter the greatest outside packaged envelope tendered for loading.
Are container dimensions exact?
No. The presets are dated fleet examples. Dimensions and weights can vary by manufacturer and individual unit, so confirm booked equipment.
Does a door warning mean the cargo will not load?
It means the entered upright cross-section exceeds the example door opening. A specialist must review orientation, handling equipment, and the actual container.