Textile operations tool

Carton CBM & Container Loading Calculator

Estimate shipment volume and container requirements from master-carton dimensions, quantity and usable container space. Use the result for early freight planning before confirming a load plan.

Calculate online

Enter your production values to calculate an operational estimate.

Master-carton dimensions and quantity
Gross weight per carton
Container type and usable-volume allowance

Calculation method

Calculate garment shipment CBM, gross weight, cartons per container and containers required for 20 ft, 40 ft and 40 ft high-cube loads.

Method: carton CBM = length cm × width cm × height cm ÷ 1,000,000

Worked example: 500 cartons to US via 40ft HQ

Master carton 60×40×40 cm, 18 kg gross, 500 cartons. Usable 40ft HQ = 66 CBM at 85% utilisation.

CBM per carton = 60×40×40 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.096 CBM. Total CBM = 48.0
Gross weight = 500×18 = 9,000 kg. 40ft HQ payload is ~26,000 kg, so volume governs.
Cartons per 40ft HQ ≈ 66 ÷ 0.096 ≈ 687. One 40ft HQ covers 500 cartons (48 CBM). Two 20ft would also work but cost more.

Table: 20ft ≈33 CBM usable, 40ft ≈55 CBM, 40ft HQ ≈66 CBM at typical 85% stowage. Always confirm with your forwarder's internal dimensions.

Frequently asked questions

Why use less than 100% container volume?

Carton orientation, internal dimensions, doors, load stability and unusable gaps mean theoretical cubic capacity is rarely achieved.

Does CBM confirm that a shipment is safe to load?

No. Also check container payload, carton strength, weight distribution, shipping-line limits and the final physical load plan.

How many cartons fit in a 40ft container for garments?

Divide usable container CBM (about 55 for 40ft, 66 for 40ft HQ at 85% utilisation) by carton CBM. Irregular carton heights reduce the count, so run the calculator with your exact dimensions.

Is CBM the same as chargeable weight?

No. CBM is volume for sea freight. For air freight, use the chargeable weight calculator which compares gross weight and volumetric weight (L×W×H ÷ divisor).

Should I include pallets in CBM?

Yes, if shipping palletized. Add pallet height and overhang to carton dimensions. Non-palletized garment cartons typically stow tighter.

Related textile calculators

Automate textile costing and production with Weavzi

Connect material planning, production, inventory, quality, costing and finance instead of repeating calculations for every order.

Book a Weavzi demo