How many 20 × 20 × 20 in boxes fit in a 20ft reefer?
20 × 20 × 20 in boxes of 508 × 508 × 508 mm (also called 4.6 cubic foot cube 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. 74% of the space used, 4 layers high, about 1,920 kg (7% of payload). Open this load in the 3D planner →
Top view — floor layer (40 on the floor)
Side view — first row along the wall (4 layers)
The answer in detail
A 20 in cube — used as a master carton for lightweight bulky goods (pillows, packaging, toys).
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 10 along the length × 4 across × 4 high = 160. Here no mixed pattern beats the best uniform grid, so the engine's plan is exactly that grid (160).
Variants
| Loading rule | Fits | Layers | Volume used | Total weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxes may be laid on any side (headline figure) | 160 | 4 | 74% | 1,920 kg (7% of payload) |
| Boxes kept this-side-up (turned on the floor plane only) | 160 | 4 | 74% | 1,920 kg (7% of payload) |
How many 20ft reefers for a given order?
| 20 × 20 × 20 in boxes | 100 | 250 | 500 | 1,000 | 2,500 | 5,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft reefers needed | 1 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 16 | 32 |
| Last one filled to | 63% | 56% | 13% | 25% | 63% | 25% |
Mixed cargo, different carton sizes or delivery stops? Plan the exact shipment in 3D — free, in the browser, nothing uploaded.
Frequently asked
How many 20 × 20 × 20 in boxes fit in a 20ft reefer?
160 20 × 20 × 20 in boxes of 508 × 508 × 508 mm fit in a 20ft reefer (inner dimensions 5,444 × 2,294 × 2,276 mm), boxes may be laid on any side. That uses 74% of the 28.4 m³ available and weighs about 1,920 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 20 × 20 × 20 in boxes weigh?
160 × 12 kg ≈ 1,920 kg, which is 7% 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.