Cargo Volume Calculator

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

About Cargo Volume Calculator

Gross volume is the internal box, but loading efficiency of 75-85% is realistic once pallet footprints, packaging voids and the space needed to strap and access the load are accounted for. Only irregular bulk loads approach the geometric figure.

Formula

Cargo volume

gross = L x W x H; usable = gross x loading efficiency

Worked example

With the default values below, Cargo Volume Calculator returns Usable volume of 32.81. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Cargo bay length: 6.2 m
Cargo bay width: 2.45 m
Cargo bay height: 2.7 m
Loading efficiency: 80 %

Results

Usable volume: 32.81 m³
Gross volume: 41.01 m³
Floor area: 15.19 m²
Usable volume: 1,158.69 ft³

Step by step

1Values used
2Cargo volume
3Usable volume= 32.81 m³
4Gross volume= 41.01 m³
5Floor area= 15.19 m²
6Usable volume= 1,158.69 ft³

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is loading efficiency only 80%?

Pallets do not tessellate perfectly into the bay width, cartons leave voids, and load restraint needs clearance. Air freight ULDs do better because they are shaped to the aircraft.

Does load height reach the roof?

Rarely. Forklift access, curtain rails and the risk of crushing lower cartons usually cap practical stack height below the internal dimension.