How many 12 × 12 × 12 in boxes fit in a 20ft reefer?
12 × 12 × 12 in boxes of 305 × 305 × 305 mm (also called 1 cubic foot boxes, small moving boxes) 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.
Boxes may be laid on any side. 83% of the space used, 7 layers high, about 4,998 kg (18% of payload). Open this load in the 3D planner →
Top view — floor layer (119 on the floor)
Side view — first row along the wall (7 layers)
The answer in detail
The one-cubic-foot box (12 × 12 × 12 in, about 305 mm) is the standard small US shipping and moving carton. Being a cube, its count is simple grid arithmetic.
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 17 along the length × 7 across × 7 high = 833. Here no mixed pattern beats the best uniform grid, so the engine's plan is exactly that grid (833).
Variants
| Loading rule | Fits | Layers | Volume used | Total weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxes may be laid on any side (headline figure) | 833 | 7 | 83% | 4,998 kg (18% of payload) |
| Boxes kept this-side-up (turned on the floor plane only) | 833 | 7 | 83% | 4,998 kg (18% of payload) |
How many 20ft reefers for a given order?
| 12 × 12 × 12 in boxes | 100 | 250 | 500 | 1,000 | 2,500 | 5,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft reefers needed | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 7 |
| Last one filled to | 12% | 30% | 60% | 20% | 0% | 0% |
Mixed cargo, different carton sizes or delivery stops? Plan the exact shipment in 3D — free, in the browser, nothing uploaded.
Frequently asked
How many 12 × 12 × 12 in boxes fit in a 20ft reefer?
833 12 × 12 × 12 in boxes of 305 × 305 × 305 mm fit in a 20ft reefer (inner dimensions 5,444 × 2,294 × 2,276 mm), boxes may be laid on any side. That uses 83% of the 28.4 m³ available and weighs about 4,998 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 12 × 12 × 12 in boxes weigh?
833 × 6 kg ≈ 4,998 kg, which is 18% 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 all six orientations, 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.