Part of our Shipping Methods guide
Container Size Estimator
Convert your shipment volume and see which shipping option usually fits.
Short answer
Enter your estimated volume in cubic feet or cubic meters. As a rule of thumb, under about 300 cubic feet suits a shared container or air freight, up to about 1,000 cubic feet fits a 20-foot container, and up to about 2,000 cubic feet fits a 40-foot container. A mover survey sets the real volume.
Estimates only. One cubic meter is about 35.3 cubic feet.
Rules of thumb
| Volume | Usual option |
|---|---|
| Under 300 cu ft | Shared container or air freight |
| 300 to 1,000 cu ft | Shared container or 20-foot container |
| 1,000 to 2,000 cu ft | 40-foot container |
| Over 2,000 cu ft | 40-foot high-cube or two containers |
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic feet fit in a 20-foot container?
Roughly 1,000 cubic feet of packed household goods, depending on how well items stack.
How many cubic feet fit in a 40-foot container?
Roughly 2,000 cubic feet of packed household goods; a high-cube container holds a little more.
How do I know my volume?
A mover's in-home or video survey is the reliable way. Room counts are a poor guide.
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