Volume
How many CBM fit in a 40ft container?
Short answer
A 40ft standard container (40GP) has about 67.6 m³ of internal volume and a 40ft high cube (40HQ) about 76.0 m³. Usable space for cartons is roughly 55–60 CBM in a 40GP and 65–70 CBM in a 40HQ.
Usable CBM by carton size
| Carton size | 40GP cartons | 40GP CBM | 40HQ cartons | 40HQ CBM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 × 30 × 30 cm | 1,960 | 52.9 (78%) | 2,240 | 60.5 (80%) |
| 40 × 30 × 30 cm | 1,610 | 58.0 (86%) | 1,840 | 66.2 (87%) |
| 40 × 40 × 40 cm | 750 | 48.0 (71%) | 900 | 57.6 (76%) |
| 50 × 40 × 30 cm | 966 | 58.0 (86%) | 1,150 | 69.0 (91%) |
| 50 × 50 × 50 cm | 384 | 48.0 (71%) | 480 | 60.0 (79%) |
| 60 × 40 × 40 cm | 550 | 52.8 (78%) | 660 | 63.4 (83%) |
| 60 × 40 × 50 cm | 460 | 55.2 (82%) | 570 | 68.4 (90%) |
| 70 × 50 × 50 cm | 312 | 54.6 (81%) | 375 | 65.6 (86%) |
| 80 × 60 × 60 cm | 165 | 47.5 (70%) | 220 | 63.4 (83%) |
In cubic feet
A 40GP is about 2,386 ft³ and a 40HQ about 2,686 ft³ inside.
Planning rule of thumb
- Up to ~28 CBM: a 20ft container.
- 28–58 CBM: a 40ft standard.
- 58–68 CBM: a 40ft high cube.
- Near the upper end of any range, run the exact cartons through the load calculator before booking.
Check your own cargoEnter your carton or pallet size and get a 3D loading plan in seconds.
Open in the load calculator →Frequently asked questions
What is the CBM of a 40ft container?
About 67.6 m³ for a 40GP and 76.0 m³ for a 40HQ.
How many CBM can I load in a 40HQ?
Plan on 65–70 CBM of cartons; uniform cartons that fit well can reach more.
How many CBM in a 40ft container in cubic feet?
About 2,386 ft³ (40GP) or 2,686 ft³ (40HQ).
Related guides
VolumeHow many CBM fit in a 20ft container?A 20ft container is 33.1 m³ inside, but real carton loads use about 25–28 CBM.
Containers40HQ vs 40GP: which 40ft container should you book?A 40HQ is 30 cm taller than a 40GP and holds about 8.5 m³ more.
CartonsHow many boxes fit in a 40ft container?A 40ft standard container holds about 550 cartons of 60×40×40 cm; a 40ft high cube about 660.