A 40ft high cube, often called 40HQ or 40HC, offers about 76 m³ inside. Its main advantage over a standard 40ft container is additional height. That space increases carton count only when rotation, stacking limits, package strength and payload allow it to be used.
How large is the inside of a 40ft high cube?
The Hapag-Lloyd specification table gives one high cube example as 1,203.2 × 235 × 270 cm with a listed capacity of 76.3 m³. Its published figures are equipment examples, not a guarantee for every manufacturer. Check the assigned container, especially when a load approaches a dimension limit.
The calculator preset is slightly different: 1,203 × 235 × 269 cm, approximately 76.05 m³. The table below uses the website’s editable presets so that the comparison can be reproduced directly in the planner.
| Planner preset | 40GP | 40HQ |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1,203 cm / 12.03 m | 1,203 cm / 12.03 m |
| Width | 235 cm / 2.35 m | 235 cm / 2.35 m |
| Height | 239 cm / 2.39 m | 269 cm / 2.69 m |
| Calculated volume | 67.57 m³ | 76.05 m³ |
| Payload setting | 26,700 kg | 26,500 kg |
Does the extra height fit another full layer?
Take 60 × 40 × 30 cm cartons with 30 cm upright, a maximum of eight layers, 10 cm of door-end clearance and 5 cm of roof clearance. Both presets provide 19 positions along the length and five across the width.
The standard container allows seven layers in 234 cm; the high cube allows eight in 264 cm. The simple grid changes from 665 to 760 cartons, an increase of 95. This is a stated example with fixed orientation, not a general percentage improvement for all products.
40GP: 19 × 5 × 7 = 665; 40HQ: 19 × 5 × 8 = 760
When does a high cube add no usable quantity?
If the packaging permits only seven layers, the high cube keeps the same 665-carton grid. If a payload limit is reached first, empty height also provides no additional weight allowance. Tall, non-stackable units may leave upper space that cannot be used.
Compare the constraint that actually stops your load. A good comparison changes only the container, keeping cargo dimensions, quantity, gross weight, rotation and stacking rules identical. Otherwise the two results answer different questions.
What else must you check?
The example carrier door opening is 234 cm wide and 259.7 cm high, lower than the listed internal height. The calculator does not simulate moving a rigid load through that opening, so verify access and handling separately.
Extra height does not establish stacking strength or cargo stability. Review package compression limits, securing arrangements and the complete sea-and-land journey. The CTU Code addresses packing and securing practice; a 3D preview is only a geometric planning aid.
- Measure the full packed height, including pallets.
- Confirm the maximum permitted number of layers.
- Check the specific equipment payload and doorway.
- Compare loaded quantity, weight and unused space together.
Open the load planner
Use your actual carton dimensions, weight and stacking rules to turn this example into a checked layout.
Start planningFAQ
Are 40HC and 40HQ different container sizes?
They are commonly used labels for a 40ft high cube; this planner calls its preset 40HQ. Confirm the actual carrier equipment specification rather than relying only on the abbreviation.
Does high cube always carry more weight than 40GP?
No. Additional internal height and payload are different properties. Use the allowed payload for the actual container and transport route.