How many 20 × 20 × 20 in boxes fit in a 40ft reefer?
20 × 20 × 20 in boxes of 508 × 508 × 508 mm (also called 4.6 cubic foot cube boxes) in a 40-foot high-cube refrigerated container (40RH) — inner dimensions 11,583 × 2,294 × 2,557 mm. Calculated by the Cubestow engine on 2026-09-08.
Boxes may be laid on any side. 85% of the space used, 5 layers high, about 5,280 kg (18% of payload). Open this load in the 3D planner →
Top view — floor layer (88 on the floor)
Side view — first row along the wall (5 layers)
The answer in detail
A 20 in cube — used as a master carton for lightweight bulky goods (pillows, packaging, toys).
Inner length and width are reduced by the insulation and the machinery. Cargo must not block the airflow along the ceiling or the T-floor.
The simple grid estimate is 22 along the length × 4 across × 5 high = 440. Here no mixed pattern beats the best uniform grid, so the engine's plan is exactly that grid (440).
Variants
| Loading rule | Fits | Layers | Volume used | Total weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxes may be laid on any side (headline figure) | 440 | 5 | 85% | 5,280 kg (18% of payload) |
| Boxes kept this-side-up (turned on the floor plane only) | 440 | 5 | 85% | 5,280 kg (18% of payload) |
How many 40ft reefers for a given order?
| 20 × 20 × 20 in boxes | 100 | 250 | 500 | 1,000 | 2,500 | 5,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40ft reefers needed | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 12 |
| Last one filled to | 23% | 57% | 14% | 27% | 68% | 36% |
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 40ft reefer?
440 20 × 20 × 20 in boxes of 508 × 508 × 508 mm fit in a 40ft reefer (inner dimensions 11,583 × 2,294 × 2,557 mm), boxes may be laid on any side. That uses 85% of the 67.9 m³ available and weighs about 5,280 kg.
What are the inner dimensions of a 40ft reefer?
Typical inner dimensions are 11,583 mm long, 2,294 mm wide and 2,557 mm high (456.0 × 90.3 × 100.7 in), giving 67.9 m³ of space and a rated payload of about 29,000 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?
440 × 12 kg ≈ 5,280 kg, which is 18% of the 29,000 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.