How do I work out what size container I need?

Measure your goods' total volume in cubic metres (or count pallets), note the heaviest total weight, then compare against container capacity: about 33 CBM for a 20FT, 67.7 CBM for a 40FT and 76.3 CBM for a 40FT high cube, allowing roughly 15% for packing gaps.

How many pallets fit in a 40FT container?

About 20–21 standard pallets (1,200 × 1,000 mm) or 23–24 Euro pallets (1,200 × 800 mm) in a single layer. A 20FT takes about 10 standard or 11 Euro pallets.

Is weight or volume the limit?

For most general goods, volume fills first. For dense loads like steel, tiles or machinery, the payload (around 28 tonnes) is reached before the container is full — which is why a 40FT doesn't carry twice the weight of a 20FT.

Free tool

Which shipping container do I need?

Enter your load by volume, pallets or weight. The calculator shows how many 20FT, 40FT or 40FT high cube containers you'd need — and how full each would be.

Volume of goods (cubic metres)

Total weight (kg, optional)

For 40 CBM, the best fit is 1 × 40FT Standard.

20FT Standard

2 units

71% full

40FT Standard

1 unit

70% full

40FT High Cube

1 unit

62% full

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Estimates use typical internal capacities with 85% usable volume and single-layer pallet counts. Exact dimensions and payload are confirmed per unit on your quotation.

Container capacity at a glance

Typical values for each type we supply. Exact figures for a specific unit are on its CSC plate and your quotation.

Shipping container sizes and specifications compared
Type	External (L × W × H)	Internal (L × W × H)	Capacity	Tare	Max payload	Best for
20FT Standard	6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m	5.9 × 2.35 × 2.39 m	33.2 CBM	2,200 kg	28,200 kg	Site storage, General cargo transport
40FT Standard	12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m	12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m	67.7 CBM	3,800 kg	28,800 kg	Warehouse overflow, Industrial storage
40FT High Cube	12.19 × 2.44 × 2.89 m	12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m	76.3 CBM	3,900 kg	28,600 kg	Conversions & site offices, High-volume storage
Reefer	12.19 × 2.44 × 2.89 m	11.57 × 2.29 × 2.5 m	67 CBM	4,600 kg	29,000 kg	Food & produce, Pharmaceuticals
Open Top	6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m	5.89 × 2.34 × 2.35 m	32.5 CBM	2,350 kg	28,150 kg	Machinery, Over-height cargo
Flat Rack	12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m	12.06 × 2.4 m	—	5,000 kg	40,000 kg	Heavy machinery, Steel & pipes

FAQ

Container sizing — FAQ

How do I work out what size container I need?: Measure your goods' total volume in cubic metres (or count pallets), note the heaviest total weight, then compare against container capacity: about 33 CBM for a 20FT, 67.7 CBM for a 40FT and 76.3 CBM for a 40FT high cube, allowing roughly 15% for packing gaps.
How many pallets fit in a 40FT container?: About 20–21 standard pallets (1,200 × 1,000 mm) or 23–24 Euro pallets (1,200 × 800 mm) in a single layer. A 20FT takes about 10 standard or 11 Euro pallets.
Is weight or volume the limit?: For most general goods, volume fills first. For dense loads like steel, tiles or machinery, the payload (around 28 tonnes) is reached before the container is full — which is why a 40FT doesn't carry twice the weight of a 20FT.