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20ft Container CBM Capacity

Check whether your cargo fits a standard 20ft (20GP) container: internal dimensions, real-world loadable CBM, and how many containers your shipment needs.

20ft Standard (20GP) — key numbers
Internal dimensions (L × W × H)5.9 × 2.35 × 2.39 m
Theoretical capacity33.2 CBM
Realistic loadable volume~28 CBM
Door opening (W × H)2.34 × 2.28 m
Max payload28,200 kg
Will my cargo fit?
Total volume: 3.6 CBM
Container usage: 12.9%
Fits in one 20ft Standard (20GP)

Based on ~28 CBM of realistic loadable volume, not the theoretical 33.2 CBM. For a carton-level stacking plan, use the 3D load planner below.

Plan the exact carton stack in 3D
Quick answers

How many CBM fits in a 20ft container?

The internal volume is about 33.2 CBM, but after door clearance, carton gaps, and stacking limits most shippers plan for 25–28 CBM of real cargo.

What are the internal dimensions of a 20ft container?

Approximately 5.90 m long × 2.35 m wide × 2.39 m high, with a door opening of about 2.34 m × 2.28 m. Individual containers vary slightly by manufacturer.

When should I book a 20ft instead of LCL?

As a rule of thumb, once your shipment exceeds roughly 13–15 CBM, a full 20ft container (FCL) is usually cheaper and safer than LCL consolidation.

How much weight can a 20ft container carry?

Max payload is around 28,200 kg, but road weight limits at origin and destination are often lower — check trucking rules before loading heavy cargo.