How many 500 × 400 × 400 mm boxes fit in a 20ft reefer?
500 × 400 × 400 mm boxes of 500 × 400 × 400 mm (also called 50 × 40 × 40 cm cartons) 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. 81% of the space used, 12 layers high, about 3,157 kg (12% of payload). Open this load in the 3D planner →
Top view — floor layer (61 on the floor)
Side view — first row along the wall (12 layers)
The answer in detail
A large parcel carton just under the 80 L mark, common for household goods and for consolidating smaller cartons.
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 × 5 across × 12 high = 600, or 13 × 4 × 12 = 624 with every piece turned. The engine found 287 — 27 more than either uniform grid — by mixing orientations so that the leftover strip along the wall is used and by choosing the orientation that gives the most layers. The top view above shows the pattern.
Variants
| Loading rule | Fits | Layers | Volume used | Total weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxes may be laid on any side (headline figure) | 287 | 12 | 81% | 3,157 kg (12% of payload) |
| Boxes kept this-side-up (turned on the floor plane only) | 290 | 5 | 82% | 3,190 kg (12% of payload) |
How many 20ft reefers for a given order?
| 500 × 400 × 400 mm boxes | 100 | 250 | 500 | 1,000 | 2,500 | 5,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft reefers needed | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 18 |
| Last one filled to | 35% | 87% | 74% | 48% | 71% | 42% |
Mixed cargo, different carton sizes or delivery stops? Plan the exact shipment in 3D — free, in the browser, nothing uploaded.
Frequently asked
How many 500 × 400 × 400 mm boxes fit in a 20ft reefer?
287 500 × 400 × 400 mm boxes of 500 × 400 × 400 mm fit in a 20ft reefer (inner dimensions 5,444 × 2,294 × 2,276 mm), boxes may be laid on any side. That uses 81% of the 28.4 m³ available and weighs about 3,157 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 500 × 400 × 400 mm boxes weigh?
287 × 11 kg ≈ 3,157 kg, which is 12% 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.