How many 1 m³ crates (1 × 1 × 1 m) fit in a 20ft reefer?
1 m³ crates (1 × 1 × 1 m) of 1,000 × 1,000 × 1,000 mm (also called one cubic metre wooden crates) in a 20-foot refrigerated container (20RF) — inner dimensions 5,444 × 2,294 × 2,276 mm. Calculated by the Cubestow engine on 2026-09-08.
Upright, stacked as high as the roof allows. 70% of the space used, 2 layers high, about 6,000 kg (22% of payload). Open this load in the 3D planner →
Top view — floor layer (10 on the floor)
Side view — first row along the wall (2 layers)
The answer in detail
A one-cubic-metre wooden crate at 300 kg is a useful reference unit: the count is simply how many whole metres fit along, across and up — after which the payload limit takes over.
The refrigeration unit and insulated walls take space, so a reefer is shorter, narrower and lower inside than a dry 20ft. Leave the T-floor and the air return clear.
The simple grid estimate is 5 along the length × 2 across × 2 high = 20. Here no mixed pattern beats the best uniform grid, so the engine's plan is exactly that grid (20).
Variants
| Loading rule | Fits | Layers | Volume used | Total weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upright, stacked as high as the roof allows (headline figure) | 20 | 2 | 70% | 6,000 kg (22% of payload) |
How many 20ft reefers for a given order?
| 1 m³ crates (1 × 1 × 1 m) | 10 | 25 | 50 | 100 | 250 | 500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft reefers needed | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 13 | 25 |
| Last one filled to | 50% | 25% | 50% | 100% | 50% | 100% |
Mixed cargo, different carton sizes or delivery stops? Plan the exact shipment in 3D — free, in the browser, nothing uploaded.
Frequently asked
How many 1 m³ crates (1 × 1 × 1 m) fit in a 20ft reefer?
20 1 m³ crates (1 × 1 × 1 m) of 1,000 × 1,000 × 1,000 mm fit in a 20ft reefer (inner dimensions 5,444 × 2,294 × 2,276 mm), upright, stacked as high as the roof allows. That uses 70% of the 28.4 m³ available and weighs about 6,000 kg.
What are the inner dimensions of a 20ft reefer?
Typical inner dimensions are 5,444 mm long, 2,294 mm wide and 2,276 mm high (214.3 × 90.3 × 89.6 in), giving 28.4 m³ of space and a rated payload of about 27,400 kg. Individual units vary by a few centimetres, so check the actual box for tight loads.
How much does a full load of 1 m³ crates (1 × 1 × 1 m) weigh?
20 × 300 kg ≈ 6,000 kg, which is 22% of the 27,400 kg payload — so this load is limited by space, not weight.
How was this number calculated?
By running the Cubestow 3D load-planning engine on the exact dimensions above, allowing rotation on the floor plane only, stacking with at least 80% base support and the container's payload limit, then re-validating the plan for overlaps, support and weight. Real loads leave room for dunnage, door clearance and uneven cartons, so treat the figure as the practical maximum.