Container Calculator
Estimate container space utilization based on cargo volume and weight.
Shipment details
Enter your estimated cargo volume and weight.
Total volume of all cargo packages in cubic meters.
Total gross weight of all cargo in kilograms.
Container Estimate
Container dimensions, internal volume, and payload limits vary between carriers and equipment. Use this as a planning estimate.
Need a professional report?
Download a signed PDF report with container recommendation, utilization analysis, shipment summary, date/time stamp, and a unique reference number — saved to your IMEXLOG account.
Why use the IMEXLOG Container Calculator
Instant, accurate results
Get volume utilization, weight utilization, and remaining capacity in real time.
All major container types
Standard, High Cube, Reefer, Open Top, and Flat Rack — everything in one tool.
Smart recommendation
We tell you whether the container fits your cargo — or if you should book LCL or a larger container.
Container specifications
| Container | Internal volume | Max payload | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | 33.2 m³ | 28,200 kg | Dense cargo, heavy goods |
| 40ft Standard | 67.7 m³ | 26,700 kg | Volume cargo, general goods |
| 40ft High Cube | 76.4 m³ | 26,500 kg | Light, bulky cargo |
| 20ft / 40ft Reefer | 28.4 / 59.3 m³ | 27,400 / 25,900 kg | Temperature-controlled cargo |
| 20ft / 40ft Open Top | 32.5 / 66.4 m³ | 28,000 / 26,500 kg | Top-loading cargo, tall machinery |
| 20ft / 40ft Flat Rack | Open platform | 27,300 / 40,000 kg | Oversized, out-of-gauge cargo |
Related trade tools
Frequently asked questions
What is a container calculator?▾
A container calculator estimates how much of a shipping container your cargo will fill — showing volume utilization, weight utilization, and remaining capacity. It helps you choose the right container type and plan efficient FCL (Full Container Load) shipments.
What is the capacity of a 20ft container?▾
A standard 20ft container has approximately 33.2 cubic meters (m³) of internal volume and a maximum payload of about 28,200 kg. Actual dimensions and payload can vary slightly between carriers and equipment.
What is the capacity of a 40ft container?▾
A standard 40ft container has approximately 67.7 m³ of internal volume and a maximum payload of about 26,700 kg. A 40ft High Cube container has about 76.4 m³ of volume and approximately 26,500 kg payload.
What is the difference between a standard and a High Cube container?▾
A High Cube container is one foot taller than a standard container, giving it about 8.7 m³ additional volume. High Cubes are used for lighter, bulkier cargo that needs more vertical space.
Is the Container Calculator free?▾
Yes, the IMEXLOG Container Calculator is completely free with no sign-up required. If you need a professional report with a full container recommendation, you can optionally purchase one for $4.99.
What is included in the Professional Container Report?▾
The Professional Container Report includes full container recommendation, volume and weight utilization percentages, remaining capacity, shipment summary, date and time stamp, and a unique reference number. It is saved to your IMEXLOG account.
Can I use this calculator for a Reefer container?▾
Yes. The calculator includes Reefer containers for temperature-controlled cargo such as perishable food, pharmaceuticals, and flowers. Reefer containers have reduced volume and payload compared to standard containers.
When should I use an Open Top or Flat Rack container?▾
Open Top containers are used for cargo that must be loaded from above. Flat Rack containers have no roof or sides and are used for oversized or heavy cargo that cannot fit inside a standard container.
Trade Guidelines
Full reference for international trade — Incoterms, documentation, customs, compliance.
IMEXLOG Trade Desk
Source, verify, connect, and move — coordinated by a dedicated specialist.
Ready to move the cargo?
Turn your container estimate into a logistics request on IMEXLOG — and get a freight quote within 24 hours.