The calculation, without hidden assumptions
Plan a repeatable master-carton pack without pretending that volume alone proves a fit. MAXScanner can test all six orthogonal orientations or keep products upright while rotating only their base, then shows the best rows × columns × layers arrangement, applies an optional gross-weight cap, and converts an order quantity into cartons required.
How to use this calculator
Enter finished packed dimensions for one product and internal usable dimensions for the master carton.
Choose whether all 90-degree rotations are safe or the product must remain upright.
Choose the dimension and weight units; keep dimensions in one selected unit.
Optionally enter item weight, carton tare and maximum permitted gross carton weight.
Enter an order quantity to calculate full cartons and the final partial carton.
Review the chosen orientation, fill percentage and weight constraint before standardising the pack.
Where people use it
- •Estimate a supplier master-carton pack before production.
- •Keep bottles, liquids, fragile packs or this-way-up goods vertical while testing base rotation.
- •Compare candidate carton sizes for ecommerce or wholesale fulfilment.
- •Check whether gross weight, rather than geometry, limits case quantity.
- •Turn an order quantity into a carton count for freight planning.
30 × 20 × 10 cm products in a 60 × 40 × 30 cm carton
With all rotations permitted, the 30 × 20 × 10 cm orientation fits 2 × 2 × 3 = 12 pieces. The carton and packed products have equal rectangular volume, so this idealised arrangement uses 100% of internal cube before allowances.
What the result does not assume
- •Use internal usable carton dimensions, not nominal outside dimensions.
- •The solver uses a uniform orientation. Mixed-orientation or non-rectangular bin packing can sometimes fit more pieces.
- •Select upright-only whenever the packed item must keep its entered height axis vertical; do not use unrestricted rotation for liquids, orientation-sensitive closures or this-way-up products unless the pack specification permits it.
- •Real packs need clearance for corrugate tolerances, dividers, cushioning, bags, closures and packer handling. Enter finished packed item dimensions.
- •Maximum gross weight must come from your carton specification, handling policy, carrier rule or other applicable source; MAXScanner does not invent a universal safe limit.
Frequently asked questions
Why not divide carton volume by product volume?+
Volume division is only an upper bound. Individual dimensions can prevent that many products from physically fitting. This calculator uses integer counts along each carton axis.
Does the calculator rotate the product?+
Yes when permitted. Choose all orthogonal rotations to test six 90-degree orientations, or upright-only to keep the entered item height vertical and test only the two base rotations.
When should I choose upright-only?+
Use it when a product, closure, liquid, fragile assembly or package marking requires the entered height axis to remain vertical. The calculator will not lay the product on its side.
Is the result the absolute maximum possible?+
Not necessarily. Mixed-orientation 3D bin packing can occasionally beat a uniform layout. The result is a transparent, repeatable rectangular baseline.
Which carton dimensions should I enter?+
Use the internal usable length, width and height after accounting for liners, inserts or other space that cannot hold product.
How does the weight limit work?+
When item weight and a maximum gross carton weight are supplied, carton tare is deducted and the remaining capacity is divided by item weight, rounded down to whole pieces.
Can it calculate boxes needed for an order?+
Yes. Enter a whole-number order quantity and MAXScanner rounds the carton count up, while showing the quantity in the final carton.
Semantic next steps
Continue the calculation
These links move to a different input, formula or project stage rather than a keyword variation of this page.
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Keep the result connected to the real job
MAXScanner keeps the formula and assumptions beside the result so you can verify the number before using it in a drawing, estimate, specification, worksheet or document. Where a supplier, manufacturer, drawing or applicable standard owns a requirement, that source remains authoritative.