Containers.
Enter the inside size and cargo weight limit of a 20 ft, 40 ft or high cube container, then review the fit and what is left over.
Online load calculator
3D container load calculator
CargoLab is an online 3D container load calculator. Enter your cargo and your container's inside size, see how the pieces could fit, and share the plan as a PDF report or a read-only 3D link.
Works in your browser on a computer, phone or iPad, with no installation. The example opens without an account.
PROJECT X IN 3DFictional example
What it does
From a cargo list to a plan you can check.
- A 3D view of every container, with each piece in place.
- Auto-Pack proposes an arrangement within your space, weight limits, support, fragile and priority rules (it needs an account).
- Place pieces by hand: pick a piece, preview the spot, place it and rotate it.
- A plain box with your own inside size or, with an account, an outline you draw for cut corners.
- A cargo weight limit for each container; one loaded over its limit turns red.
- Cargo lines with size, weight, quantity, priority, fragile and lock rotation.
- Cargo lists from a CSV file and, with an account, CSV export, a PDF report and a read-only 3D share link.
- Centimetres, millimetres or inches, and kilograms or pounds.
THE ACTUAL CARGO LISTFictional example
- Set up the spaceEnter the inside length, width and height and the cargo weight limit (payload): CargoLab counts the cargo only. Use your carrier's figures.
- List the cargoEnter the size, weight and quantity of each line, or use Add many for a whole list, typed or from a CSV.
- Fit the cargoPlace pieces by hand or, with an account, run Auto-Pack. Anything that does not fit stays in Not placed.
- Check and shareReview the volume, the weight and each position. With an account, send a PDF report or a read-only link.
What to check when you compare load calculators.
- Shapes: can it follow a cut corner or a contour, or only a plain box?
- Rules: does it respect weight limits, fragile cargo, stacking and priority?
- Control: can you move a piece by hand, or only accept the result?
- Handover: what does the next person receive, and do they need an account to read it?
- Honesty about limits: does it say what it has not checked?
What CargoLab does not do.
- Cargo is modelled as boxes.
- There is no ready-made container list today: a checked library is being rebuilt, so you enter your own figures.
- It gives a preliminary plan, not an approval. The carrier makes the final loading decision and checks balance, restraints, access and operational requirements.
Questions about load calculators
What is a 3D container load calculator?
A tool that works out how cargo could fit inside a container, truck or other loading space and shows the result in 3D, so you can check it before anything is loaded.
How do I work out how much cargo fits in a container?
Start with the inside size and the cargo weight limit of the container, then the size, weight and quantity of each cargo line. Adding up volumes only gives a rough idea, because gaps, stacking rules and the weight limit usually stop you first. A 3D load calculator places each piece, so you see what fits and what is left out.
Can I use it for 20 ft and 40 ft containers?
Yes. Enter the inside length, width and height and the cargo weight limit (payload) from your carrier's figures. CargoLab has no ready-made container list today: a checked library is being rebuilt.
Does it work for air cargo and ULDs?
Yes, as a preliminary plan. With an account, draw the end outline, give it depth and set the cargo weight limit; the cut-off area is not available for cargo. The carrier makes the final decision.
Do I need an account?
As a guest you can open a finished example, start your own plan and place cargo by hand; your work stays on your device. An account adds Auto-Pack, cloud save, CSV and PDF export, share links and the container designer. No payment details needed.
Can I share the result?
Yes. With an account you can send a PDF report or a read-only link. Anyone can open the link without an account and look around the plan in 3D.
Is the result guaranteed?
No. Auto-Pack proposes an arrangement within your rules and does not guarantee a globally optimal one. Check the plan against your equipment; the carrier makes the final loading decision.
Bring your next packing list.
See how the pieces could be arranged and what still needs checking.
First-time visitors can open a finished example. No account needed.