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Cargo Stowage Factor Calculator

Work out cargo stowage factor instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Cargo Stowage Factor Calculator

Stowage factor is the volume one tonne of cargo occupies including the voids between packages, so it is the reciprocal of bulk density. It decides whether a hold fills up by weight or by volume: light cargo with a high stowage factor cubes out long before deadweight is reached.

Formula

Stowage factor

SF = volume occupied / weight (m3 per tonne); max weight = hold volume / SF

Worked example

With the default values below, Cargo Stowage Factor Calculator returns Stowage factor of 1.38. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Cargo weight
1,200 t
Volume occupied
1,650 m³
Available hold volume
2,000 m³

Results

Stowage factor
1.38 m³/t
Cargo bulk density
0.727 t/m³
Weight the hold can take
1,454.50 t
Hold volume used
82.5% %

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Stowage factor
  3. 3Stowage factor= 1.38 m³/t
  4. 4Cargo bulk density= 0.727 t/m³
  5. 5Weight the hold can take= 1,454.50 t
  6. 6Hold volume used= 82.5 %

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 3 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 3 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
  • Marine results are planning estimates only. Verify against the vessel's approved stability booklet, loading manual, class society rules and applicable maritime regulations before loading or sailing.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Marine results are planning estimates only. Verify against the vessel's approved stability booklet, loading manual, class society rules and applicable maritime regulations before loading or sailing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'cubing out' mean?

The hold is full by volume while deadweight remains. Cargo with a stowage factor above about 1.4 m3/t typically cubes out first.

Does broken stowage count?

Yes. Stowage factor is measured as stowed, so it already includes the unusable space around irregular packages and dunnage.

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