# How many cartons fit in a container

Divide the container floor into rows of cartons, then stack whole tiers to the roof, and check the weight. 40 × 30 × 20 cm cartons fit about 1,199 in a 20GP, 2,530 in a 40GP and 2,990 in a 40HQ by space; heavy cartons may hit the payload limit first.

## Key takeaways

- Count cartons by geometry: rows across the width, cartons along the length, tiers up to the roof.
- Try each carton face down if the goods allow it; 'this way up' cartons have fewer options.
- Check the weight limit: dense cargo runs out of payload before space.
- Leave room for the door, bracing and uneven cartons: plan slightly below the theoretical count.

## Why CBM alone gives the wrong answer

Dividing container volume by carton volume assumes every gap can be filled. A 40HQ is about 76.4 m³ and a 40 × 30 × 20 cm carton is 0.024 m³, which suggests 3,181 cartons; the real geometric fit is 2,990, because only whole cartons fit each direction.


## Step by step

1. Across the width: 2,352 mm ÷ carton width, rounded down.
2. Along the length: 12,032 mm ÷ carton length, rounded down; try turning the cartons and mixing two blocks.
3. Tiers: 2,698 mm ÷ carton height, rounded down.
4. Multiply, then try the other carton faces as the bottom if allowed.
5. Multiply the count by the gross weight per carton and compare with the payload.

| Container | 40 × 30 × 20 cm | 39 × 29 × 19 cm | 41 × 31 × 21 cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20GP | 1,199 | 1,488 | 1,144 |
| 40GP | 2,530 | 3,024 | 2,332 |
| 40HQ | 2,990 | 3,472 | 2,552 |
| 45HQ | 3,354 | 3,920 | 2,904 |


[Count your cartons](https://cartonmath.com/container-loading-calculator/?l=40&w=30&h=20&wt=12&cont=40hq): Change the size and weight; the 3D view and the payload check update as you type.


## This way up

Many goods must stay upright, which removes the option of laying cartons on their side. Tick 'this way up' in the calculator to see the count with the carton's own height vertical. The difference can be large for tall cartons.


## Weight limits

Typical payloads are about 28,000 kg for a 20GP and 26,500 kg for a 40HQ, and road limits at either end may be lower. With 25 kg cartons, a 40HQ is full by weight after about 1,060 cartons, whatever their size. See [20GP vs 40GP vs 40HQ](https://cartonmath.com/guides/20gp-vs-40gp-vs-40hq/).


## Plan a little below the theoretical count

- Cartons bulge and vary by a few millimetres.
- The doors need clearance to close.
- Heavy cargo needs bracing or airbags, which take space.
- Loading crews may not achieve a perfect mixed pattern.

## FAQ

**How many cartons fit in a 40HQ?**
It depends on the carton: 40 × 30 × 20 cm cartons fit about 2,990 by space. Use the container loading calculator for your size.

**Can I just divide container CBM by carton CBM?**
Only as an upper bound. Whole cartons must fit each direction, so the real count is lower.

**Does turning cartons on their side help?**
Often, if the goods allow it. The calculator tries every face as the bottom unless 'this way up' is ticked.

**What limits a container load besides space?**
The container's payload, road weight limits, carton strength and the need for bracing.

Source page: https://cartonmath.com/guides/how-many-cartons-fit-in-a-container/
Updated: 2026-10-06
Publisher: CartonMath (https://cartonmath.com)