Container size & capacity guide
Every planner eventually asks the same question: “Will this shipment fit in a 40ft container?” This page keeps the critical measurements within reach. Scroll through the data, note the door openings, and link back to the calculator when you need exact CBM per cargo line.
| Container | Interior (L × W × H · m) | Door (W × H · m) | Usable CBM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20GP 20ft GP | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 | 2.34 × 2.28 | 33.00 m³ |
| 40GP 40ft GP | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 | 2.34 × 2.28 | 67.00 m³ |
| 40HQ 40ft HQ | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 | 2.34 × 2.58 | 76.00 m³ |
| 45HC 45ft HC | 13.56 × 2.35 × 2.69 | 2.34 × 2.58 | 85.00 m³ |
Values come from industry-standard equipment specs. Always cross-check with the carrier if you expect tight tolerances or unusual cargo.
Each container below includes a quick summary, suggested CBM bands, and tips for securing the load without exceeding door or ceiling limits. Mention the size when requesting quotes to avoid last-minute swaps on the quay.
20GP
A 20ft general purpose container (20GP) is ideal for dense cargo, sample runs, and smaller purchase orders. Internal dimensions of roughly 5.9 m × 2.35 m × 2.39 m keep total usable volume near 33 m³.
40GP
A 40ft general purpose container (40GP) doubles the length to 12.03 m and offers around 67 m³ of usable space. Exporters choose it when carton counts or pallets spill past the 20GP threshold.
40HQ
A 40ft high cube (40HQ) shares the 40GP footprint but extends the ceiling to 2.69 m. That extra headroom pushes usable volume to roughly 76 m³, making it the go-to pick for lightweight or bulky cargo.
45HC
A 45ft high cube (45HC) stretches internal length to 13.56 m and keeps the higher 2.69 m ceiling. With about 85 m³ of usable volume it can consolidate oversized POS displays, furniture, or multiple suppliers.
Divide the container CBM (33 m³ for a standard 20GP) by the CBM of one carton. A 0.12 m³ carton fits roughly 275 times in theory. In practice, plan for 250 to leave aisle space, bracing, and airflow.
A 40GP with 67 m³ can take about 550 cartons at 0.12 m³ each. The 40HQ raises the ceiling for 76 m³, which often unlocks another 70–100 cartons. Always confirm door width (2.34 m) and height (2.58 m) when pallets sit higher than two metres.
Most planners apply an efficiency (η) between 0.8 and 0.95 to reflect bracing, uneven pallets, or aisle requirements. Multiply the container volume by η to estimate the true usable space before locking a booking.
If CBM totals sit between two standard sizes, compare combinations. For example, one 40HQ plus one 20GP sometimes beats two 40GP units on both cost and space. The optimizer on our homepage runs this calculation automatically.
Once you know the target container, open the main CBM calculator, enter every cargo line, and compare loading efficiency and cost plans. CBM totals sync with 20GP/40GP/40HQ/45HC presets automatically.