Calculate boxes per layer, the number of layers, and the total from cargo and box dimensions.
Fish box loading calculator
Estimate how many boxes fit from the box dimensions and available cargo-space dimensions.
Built for field use with floor rotation, stack limits, a safety margin, a 2D layout preview, and shareable URLs.
See at a glance how many boxes fit in a truck bed or fish hold
Compare rotation with mixed-strip placement
Apply stack limits and a margin together
Export the result as CSV, a print memo, or a share URL
What the calculator does
Compare normal, fully rotated, and mixed-strip placements to find a practical estimate.
Apply a safety margin and stack limit to keep the estimate conservative.
Save recent sizes, create shareable URLs, and export a CSV or printable field memo.
How to use the calculator
- Enter cargo width W, depth D, and height H, then enter the box dimensions in the same order.
- Enable floor rotation and set a stack limit and margin when needed.
- Review the maximum box count, boxes per layer, layer count, leftover space, and chosen layout.
- Use the share URL, CSV, or print memo when you need to take the result into the field.
Examples
Load fish boxes into a kei-van-sized cargo area
Input
Cargo 1200 × 900 × 800 mm, box 600 × 400 × 300 mm, rotation on, stack limit 2, margin 3%
Output
3 boxes per layer × 2 layers = 6 boxes total; leftover width, depth, and height are shown together.
Pack foam boxes into a fish hold
Input
Hold 1600 × 1100 × 900 mm, box 520 × 360 × 300 mm, rotation on, stack limit automatic
Output
Shows boxes per layer, total boxes, the chosen layout, and how the safety margin changes the result.
Terms
Margin %
A safety margin applied to cargo dimensions for tie-downs, hand clearance, curved walls, and other uncertainty.
Stack limit
A manual cap on the number of layers that reflects box strength or site rules.
Mixed strip
An approximate search that fills one side normally, then places rotated boxes in the leftover strip.
Leftover space
A practical width/depth/height indicator, not an exact geometric map of the remaining space.
Formulas
Effective cargo dimension = cargo dimension × (1 - margin % / 100)Per-layer count without rotation = floor(W_eff / boxW) × floor(D_eff / boxD)When rotation is allowed, the calculator also compares fully rotated and mixed-strip placements.Layers by height = floor(H_eff / boxH), then capped by the stack limit when setTotal boxes = boxes per layer × number of layers
FAQ
Does this find a fully optimal packing?
No. It is a field-oriented approximation: it checks rotation and simple mixed-strip layouts, but not special shapes, fixtures, or full 3D optimization.
Does the calculator verify stacking safety?
No. Box strength and operating conditions vary too much. Use the stack limit to keep the estimate conservative.
How should I account for gaps or fixtures?
Use margin % to reserve space for tie-downs, hand clearance, ice, curved walls, and protrusions.
Can I place boxes on their side?
Yes, in Advanced settings. It is off by default because it is easy to misuse; always confirm stability and product impact for the actual box.
What data does the share URL include?
It stores the dimensions and options needed to reproduce the result, including cargo and box size, margin, rotation, and stack limit.
Important notes
- This tool provides an estimate; it does not model fixtures, curved surfaces, protrusions, anti-collapse material, or working clearance.
- Leftover dimensions are indicators only, not an exact description of the empty shape.
- Stack safety, load, slipping, and tipping risk depend on field conditions.
- Make the final decision using the actual cargo space and boxes.