Package Size Calculator
Enter the inside size of your carton, the size of one item and, if you like, the item weight and the carton weight limit. The calculator tries every way to turn the item and gives the most that fit.
- Items per carton
- Best orientation
- Packed weight
Use the inside size of the carton. Weight limits for one-person lifting are often around 23 to 25 kg.
Turning an item can fit far more in the same box. The calculator tests all six orientations and lays the items out in a straight grid. A 60 × 40 × 40 cm carton holds 24 items of 20 × 15 × 10 cm laid flat one way, but 32 when they are turned to suit the box.
Items per carton chart
60 × 40 × 40 cm carton. Search for an item size.
| Item (cm) | Items per carton | Space used |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 × 10 | 96 | 100% |
| 15 × 10 × 10 | 64 | 100% |
| 20 × 15 × 10 | 32 | 100% |
| 20 × 20 × 20 | 12 | 100% |
| 25 × 15 × 10 | 16 | 62% |
| 30 × 20 × 10 | 16 | 100% |
| 30 × 20 × 20 | 8 | 100% |
| 12 × 12 × 12 | 45 | 81% |
Best orientation, no weight limit.
Item size and fit
Cube items in a 60 × 40 × 40 cm carton. Slide the item size.
The top view shows one layer and how many layers stack inside.
How to work out items per carton
Grid packing. Step through it.
Measure inside
Carton L, W, H.
Mixed layouts with some items turned can sometimes squeeze in one or two more, so a test pack is worth doing for big orders.
Straight, turned or mixed
Ways to pack. Compare them.
All one way.
Picked by the tool.
Some turned.
Items in their own retail boxes are best packed straight so labels face the same way.
Before packing
Carton checks. Tick each item.
Tick each item as you go.
Items that move inside the carton get damaged, so fill any gap with void fill.
What you get
Carton packing. Each tile explains one result.
Items per carton.
Rows and layers.
Per cent.
Packed.
Left over.
A small change to item or carton size often fits a whole extra row.
Frequently Asked Questions
No question matches that search.
How do I work out how many items fit in a box?
Divide each inside side of the box by the matching item side, round down, and multiply the three numbers. Try the item turned each way and use the best.
Should I use inside or outside box sizes?
Inside sizes, because the walls take up space.
Why does turning items fit more?
Different sides divide into the carton more evenly, so less space is wasted.
What is a good weight for a carton?
Many warehouses keep cartons under about twenty-three kilograms so one person can lift them.
How much space should a carton use?
Above eighty per cent is good. Lower means a smaller carton could do the job.
Does this work for cylinders?
Use the square that fits round the cylinder. Round items leave gaps either way.
Can I mix item sizes?
This tool packs one item size. For mixed items, pack the largest first and fill round them.
Fill every carton
Turn the items the right way and pick the carton that wastes least space. It saves boxes, filler and freight.
More size calculators
Each one has its own calculator, worked examples and answers to common questions.