Methods & worked examples
Box Fit Calculator — Methods & worked examples
How it works
Volume alone does not establish fit: a 36 × 1 × 1 cm item cannot fit along any edge of a 12 × 12 × 12 cm box, even though 1,728 ÷ 36 = 48. For each axis, use floor((inside length − 2 × lining + gap) ÷ (item length + gap)). There are n − 1 gaps for n items. Multiply the three whole-number counts and compare the six orientations. Upright mode only rotates the base.
Worked examples
A 40 × 30 × 20 cm box with 12 × 8 × 5 cm items, no lining and no gap, holds 40 items: place the 8 cm edge along the box length for 5 items, the 12 cm edge along its width for 2, and stack 4 layers of 5 cm. Packing 100 items requires 3 boxes. If lining consumes the usable interior, capacity is 0.
Scope & limitations
This compares axis-aligned, uniformly oriented grids, not mixed orientations or diagonal packing, and does not guarantee optimal packing. Measure inside dimensions, allow for packaging and tolerances, and test the physical fit. Weight limits, shipping charges and transport protection are not calculated. The diagram draws at most 300 items per layer; the count remains complete.
Method sources
Our original explanations and calculators use the methods above. This site is not affiliated with the cited brands or organizations.