Moving Truck Size Calculator
Estimate household cargo volume and choose a moving-truck size with room to spare.
Your moving-truck estimate
- Estimated household cargo volume
- cu ft
- Minimum capacity with safety margin
- cu ft
- Approximate recommended capacity
- cu ft
- Estimated capacity used
- %
The estimate reserves at least 20% of the planning capacity for packing gaps and uncertainty. Truck length alone does not tell you its capacity. This is not a fit guarantee.
How it works
We estimate the volume of furniture and packed belongings together, rather than counting boxes. Studio through six-bedroom baselines are 250, 400, 600, 800, 1,050, 1,300 and 1,550 cubic feet. Add 35 per person above bedrooms + 1, plus 100 for some extra storage or 250 for lots. Multiply by 0.65 for minimal, 1 for average or 1.35 for heavy belongings and round up. Unusually bulky furniture adds 150 cubic feet afterward.
Divide cargo volume by 0.8 and round up to find the capacity needed. Choose the smallest class that meets it. At 72–80% usage, the result is borderline and we suggest moving up one class. Above the largest class’s 80% limit, plan additional capacity.
| Vehicle class | Capacity (cu ft) | 80% loading target (cu ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo van / very small move | 250 | 200 |
| 10–12 ft truck | 400 | 320 |
| 15–16 ft truck | 650 | 520 |
| 20 ft truck | 1,000 | 800 |
| 26 ft truck | 1,600 | 1,280 |
Assumptions and useful information
These household coefficients and safety thresholds are RockUtility planning assumptions, not validated averages. Capacities are rounded, conservative references across rental fleets, not specifications for a particular vehicle. Real vans and trucks vary substantially. An empty guest room, crowded closets or unusually large collections can change the answer.
Reserve space because running out is costly. The margin covers imperfect packing and uncertainty; it cannot guarantee fit. Check actual cargo capacity, interior and door dimensions, and payload weight with the supplier. Heavy books, tools or equipment can reach the weight limit before filling the truck. Dismantling furniture and securing the load also affect usable space.
Furniture and packed boxes are included. Vehicles, outdoor structures, towing, passenger seating, fuel costs and driving eligibility are outside this estimate. Multiple trips may be practical locally but not for a one-way move. Large or heavy households should have a supplier or mover assess the load.
Capacity references: U-Haul truck specifications, Penske truck specifications, and Budget 16 ft specifications. These inform capacities, not our household formula.
Estimate only. Check your actual belongings and vehicle specifications before booking. Never exceed the vehicle’s payload limit.