Calculate carton CBM and a volume-only capacity estimate
This calculator handles one carton size at a time. A carton is not necessarily one chair, one piece, or one complete set. For mixed sizes, calculate each line separately and add the order CBM. Results are planning estimates, not a guarantee that cargo will physically fit.
The default 85% is an illustrative assumption, not a measured loading efficiency. Adjust it with your freight or packing team. Volume presets: 20ft = 33.2 m³; 40HQ = 76.3 m³. No weight or dimensional-fit checks are included.
How the calculation works
- Carton CBM = length × width × height in centimetres ÷ 1,000,000.
- Order CBM = carton CBM × number of cartons.
- Planning volume = container nominal volume × allowance percentage ÷ 100.
- Volume-only carton count = planning volume ÷ carton CBM, rounded down.
Worked example, not a SOLAIREVA packing specification: a 100 × 60 × 50 cm carton is 0.300 m³. An order of 100 such cartons is 30.000 m³. At the illustrative 85% allowance, a 20ft has 28.220 m³ planning volume (94 cartons by volume); a 40HQ has 64.855 m³ (216 cartons by volume). The 30 m³ order exceeds the first allowance but is below the second. Neither result confirms physical fit.
Our nominal volume presets come from Hapag-Lloyd's example specifications for a 20ft standard container and 40ft high cube container. Equipment varies: confirm the actual container, door opening, internal dimensions and payload before booking.
How many furniture pieces fit in a 20ft or 40HQ?
There is no reliable universal piece count for “a dining set” or “a sofa.” A complete set can span several cartons; nested chairs can share one carton. Request the final carton schedule for the exact model, packing method and quantity. Do not divide container volume by assembled furniture dimensions.
- Multiple cartons per set: add all carton volumes for one complete set, then multiply by the number of sets. Keep each carton type separately in the loading plan.
- Nested or stacked chairs: use the measured packed stack, including its protection, rather than multiplying one chair's dimensions.
- Mixed orders: sum the CBM of all carton types; include cushions, accessories, spare parts and pallets if used. A remaining volume allowance does not prove an awkward carton will fit.
- Knock-down versus assembled: compare actual packing lists. Do not assume a standard percentage saving.
Start with the product library to list models, then review OEM / ODM requirements if packing or assembly needs customization.
What must be checked before confirming a load?
- Carton orientation, longest dimension and door clearance.
- Stack limits, fragile surfaces, nesting restrictions and access for unloading.
- Gross weights, weight distribution, container payload and applicable transport limits.
- Pallets, bracing, protective materials and spaces that cannot be used.
- The complete quantity of every carton type, not only the largest furniture items.
A volume estimate cannot solve a three-dimensional packing problem. Ask the supplier and freight team to confirm a loading arrangement against the final packing list.
Is 40HQ always cheaper per furniture piece?
No. Compare current quotes for the same route, dates and scope using the confirmed quantity that can be shipped. Divide comparable shipping charges by the number of complete sellable units—not by carton count when a unit needs multiple cartons. Include relevant origin and destination charges in both quotes. This calculator does not estimate freight, duty, tax or landed cost.
Send a useful packing inquiry
Include model numbers, quantities, destination, assembly preference, carton dimensions and gross weights if available, and any pallet or unloading restrictions. If dimensions are not yet confirmed, mark the estimate provisional.
Request a packing reviewUpdated 13 October 2026. Presets checked against the shipping-line examples linked above; results are not shipment commitments.