How Many CBM in a 20ft, 40ft & 40HC Container?
Container capacity is measured in CBM, or cubic meters. Knowing how many CBM fit in a container helps exporters plan cargo, request freight rates and avoid wasted shipping space.
Container CBM Capacity
| Container Type | Theoretical CBM | Practical Usable CBM |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft Dry Container | Approx. 33 CBM | Approx. 28–30 CBM |
| 40ft Dry Container | Approx. 67–68 CBM | Approx. 58–62 CBM |
| 40ft High Cube Container | Approx. 76 CBM | Approx. 65–70 CBM |
Why Practical Capacity Is Lower
Theoretical CBM is the total internal volume of the container. Practical usable space is lower because cartons are not perfectly shaped, pallets take extra space, and cargo must be loaded safely.
How to Calculate Cartons in a Container
Estimated Cartons = Usable Container CBM ÷ CBM per Carton
Example: If one carton is 0.06 CBM and usable 20ft container capacity is 28 CBM:
28 ÷ 0.06 = approximately 466 cartons
Use Our Free CBM Calculator
Calculate how many cartons fit in a 20ft, 40ft or 40HC container using our free CBM Calculator. You can also plan loading with the Container Loading Calculator.
Calculate Container CBMFAQs
How many CBM is a 20ft container?
About 33 CBM theoretically, with around 28–30 CBM practical usable capacity.
How many CBM is a 40ft container?
About 67–68 CBM theoretically.
How many CBM is a 40HC container?
About 76 CBM theoretically.