Free tool · Container loading
Rug container loading calculator
Choose a construction, rug size and container to see roughly how many handmade rugs fit, the total square metres, the approximate weight and whether volume or weight is the limit. Volume is usually the limit. Approximate, depends on rug size, pile and packing; the exact container plan is confirmed on your quote.
Last updated: 31 October 2026
Calculate your container load
Hand-knotted, 5 x 8 ft (3.72 sqm each), 40 ft high-cube
- Pieces per container
- 580 to 1,020
- Square metres
- 2,150 to 3,800
- Weight when full
- 6,000 to 13,600 kg
Limit that applies: volume. The container fills before it reaches its weight limit.
Approximate, depends on rug size, pile and packing; the exact container plan is confirmed on your quote.
Assumptions and method
| Container | Internal L x W x H | Volume used | Payload used |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ft | 5.9 x 2.35 x 2.39 m | 33 m3 | 21,700 kg |
| 40 ft standard | 12.03 x 2.35 x 2.39 m | 66 m3 | 26,500 kg |
| 40 ft high-cube | 12.03 x 2.35 x 2.69 m | 76 m3 | 26,500 kg |
| Construction | Rolled thickness | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Hand-knotted | 9 / 11 / 14 mm | 2.7 / 3.5 / 4.5 kg per sqm |
| Hand-tufted | 12 / 14 / 18 mm | 3 / 3.8 / 5 kg per sqm |
| Flatweave / dhurrie | 4 / 5 / 7 mm | 1.7 / 2 / 2.4 kg per sqm |
| Jute | 7 / 9 / 12 mm | 1.2 / 1.8 / 2.5 kg per sqm |
- Usable share. Only 40 to 55.00000000000001 percent of the container cube is rug, after round rolls, pallets, poly wrap and door gap. General cargo guides allow 80 to 90 percent, so this is deliberately cautious. It is our own assumption.
- Volume cap. Square metres = container volume x usable share / rolled thickness. Low uses the 40 percent share with the high thickness; high uses the 55.00000000000001 percent share with the mid thickness.
- Weight cap. Square metres = payload / (kg per sqm x 1.03); the 1.03 covers poly and ties. The lower of the volume and weight caps is the result.
- Pieces. Square metres divided by the area of one piece, rounded down. Counts above 5,000 are shown as plan by square metres.
- Payloads use the lower end of published figures. Actual data plates and road weight limits at destination can be lower.
- One size per container. Mixed sizes: add each size's share of its own count.
Approximate, depends on rug size, pile and packing; the exact container plan is confirmed on your quote. Full tables: open rug trade data and how many rugs fit in a container.
Archived with a DOI: Approximate container loading for handmade rugs, poufs, pillows and baskets (Zenodo, CC BY 4.0).
Freight cost
Ocean freight changes weekly with season and shipping line. We quote FOB Nhava Sheva and can advise on CIF; ask for a live quote.
FOB origin charges usually cover origin terminal handling, documentation, customs clearance and inland haulage to the port. Ask us for the breakdown on your quote.
Turn the numbers into a plan
Send your sizes, constructions and quantities and we plan the load. See rug packing and loading, MOQ, lead times and shipping and the sea freight transit finder. Orders start at 1 piece; the usual term is FOB Nhava Sheva, confirmed on your quote.
Send your range for a quote
Send your design, size and estimated quantity. We reply within two business days, usually within one. Minimum order: 1 piece. Sampling cost is credited against your order. Payment: 50% advance, 50% before dispatch.
Buyer questions
Container loading calculator: your questions
How many rugs fit in a 40 ft container?
It depends on size and construction. Pick your construction, size and container above for a range. Approximate, depends on rug size, pile and packing; the exact container plan is confirmed on your quote.
Is weight or volume the limit for rugs?
Volume, in almost every case. Rugs are bulky, so the container fills before it reaches its weight limit. The calculator tells you which limit applies for your inputs.
Why does the calculator show a range?
Pile height, how tightly a rug rolls and how it is packed all change the count, so we show a cautious low to high range instead of one optimistic number.
Can I mix sizes in one container?
Yes. The calculator assumes one size per container. For a mix, work out each size's share of its own single-size count; the shares must add up to no more than 1.
Does the calculator cover poufs, pillows and baskets?
Not yet. Rugs only. Approximate figures for poufs, pillows and baskets are on the how many rugs fit in a container guide.
What is the minimum order?
1 piece. You do not need to fill a container; the calculator is for planning larger orders.