How to calculate container space utilisation (with the formula)

Container space utilisation is the percentage of a container’s internal volume that your cargo actually fills. It is the single most useful number in load planning, because a container costs the same to ship whether it is half empty or packed tight.

The formula

Utilisation is a simple ratio of volumes:

Utilisation % = (Total cargo volume ÷ Container internal volume) × 100

Add up the volume of every item (length × width × height × quantity) — our free CBM calculator does this in seconds — then divide by the container’s internal volume. A 40ft Standard container has 67.6 m³ of internal space; 50 m³ of cargo gives (50 ÷ 67.6) × 100 = 74% utilisation. See our full container dimensions guide for the internal volume of every container type.

Why it rarely hits 100%

Theoretical volume assumes you can fill every cubic centimetre. In reality, irregular shapes, non-stackable items, and the gaps between boxes mean most mixed loads top out at 70–85%. That practical ceiling is why a calculator that accounts for box dimensions beats a single volume sum in a spreadsheet.

How to push utilisation higher

Group items by footprint so they stack cleanly, place heavy goods low and central for weight distribution, and test a High Cube container for tall or bulky cargo. Tools like Teuvia let you try these arrangements in a 3D plan before anything is loaded, so you can see the utilisation change as you go.