How many IBC tanks (1,000 L) fit in a 45ft high cube?
IBC tanks (1,000 L) of 1,200 × 1,000 × 1,160 mm (also called IBC totes, intermediate bulk containers) in a 45-foot high-cube container (45HC) — inner dimensions 13,556 × 2,352 × 2,698 mm. Calculated by the Cubestow engine on 2026-09-08.
Upright, single layer (not stacked). 39% of the space used, 1 layer high, about 26,400 kg (96% of payload). Open this load in the 3D planner →
Top view — floor layer (24 on the floor)
Side view — first row along the wall (1 layer)
The answer in detail
A standard 1,000-litre IBC on its pallet base measures about 1,200 × 1,000 × 1,160 mm and weighs roughly 1,100 kg full. A full container of IBCs is limited by payload, not floor space — which the numbers here make obvious.
An extra 1.5 m of length over a 40HC, popular for European intermodal moves where a 45ft box matches a 13.6 m trailer.
The simple grid estimate is 11 along the length × 2 across × 1 high = 22. The engine found 24 — 2 more than either uniform grid — by mixing orientations so that the leftover strip along the wall is used. The top view above shows the pattern.
Variants
| Loading rule | Fits | Layers | Volume used | Total weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upright, single layer (not stacked) (headline figure) | 24 | 1 | 39% | 26,400 kg (96% of payload) |
| IBCs stacked two high (permitted for many empty or rigid-caged IBCs) | 25 | 2 | 40% | 27,500 kg (100% of payload) |
How many 45ft high cubes for a given order?
| IBC tanks (1,000 L) | 10 | 25 | 50 | 100 | 250 | 500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45ft high cubes needed | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 11 | 21 |
| Last one filled to | 42% | 4% | 8% | 17% | 42% | 83% |
Mixed cargo, different carton sizes or delivery stops? Plan the exact shipment in 3D — free, in the browser, nothing uploaded.
Frequently asked
How many IBC tanks (1,000 L) fit in a 45ft high cube?
24 IBC tanks (1,000 L) of 1,200 × 1,000 × 1,160 mm fit in a 45ft high cube (inner dimensions 13,556 × 2,352 × 2,698 mm), upright, single layer (not stacked). That uses 39% of the 86.0 m³ available and weighs about 26,400 kg.
What are the inner dimensions of a 45ft high cube?
Typical inner dimensions are 13,556 mm long, 2,352 mm wide and 2,698 mm high (533.7 × 92.6 × 106.2 in), giving 86.0 m³ of space and a rated payload of about 27,600 kg. Individual units vary by a few centimetres, so check the actual box for tight loads.
How much does a full load of IBC tanks (1,000 L) weigh?
24 × 1,100 kg ≈ 26,400 kg, which is 96% of the 27,600 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, no stacking 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.