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Moving Volume Calculator – Estimate Truck Size & Cubic Feet

Calculate moving volume in cubic feet or cubic meters, estimate truck size, and moving cost instantly.

Home Type & Size
rooms
sq ft
large items
Add extra for large furniture, appliances, etc.
Item Categories
Furniture 200 cu ft
pcs
pcs
pcs
pcs
Boxes 100 cu ft
pcs
pcs
pcs
Appliances 50 cu ft
pcs
pcs
Moving Options
Moving Requirements
1500 cu ft
Total Volume Required
0% 60% 100%
Truck Size Needed: 16-20 ft Truck
Estimated Boxes: 23 boxes
Loading Time: 4-6 hours
Helpers Required: 3 people
ESTIMATED COST: $1,250
Truck Size Visualization
Recommended: 16-20 ft Truck
60% Full
$800
10-12 ft Truck
Too Small
$1,250
16-20 ft Truck
Recommended
$1,800
24-26 ft Truck
Too Large
Moving Checklist
Moving Tips
  • Always book your truck early, especially during peak moving season
  • Disassemble furniture before moving to save space
  • Use wardrobe boxes for clothes to save packing time
  • Pack a "first night" box with essentials
All Calculators
Tip

Use the search bar above to quickly find the calculator you need.

Truck Size Guide

10-12 ft: Studio/1 bed • 16-20 ft: 2-3 bed • 24-26 ft: 4+ bed. Add 10-20% extra space.

Moving Calculator: Estimate Truck Size, Cubic Feet & Moving Cost

Booking the wrong size truck is one of the most common (and expensive) moving mistakes — either you pay for unused space, or you end up making a second trip. Our free moving calculator solves this by estimating your total moving volume in cubic feet or cubic meters, then recommending the right truck size, loading time, number of helpers, and an approximate cost, all based on the actual furniture, boxes, and appliances you're moving.

Whether you're moving out of a studio apartment or a 5-bedroom family home, the calculator adjusts for your exact home size and item list rather than relying on generic "one size fits all" estimates. It works for local moves, long-distance relocations, and international moves alike, and switches between cubic feet and cubic meters depending on your region.

This tool is built for renters and homeowners planning a DIY move, as well as relocation planners and moving companies who need a fast, reliable volume estimate before quoting a job.

How the Moving Calculator Works

1. Base Volume From Home Size

The calculator starts with a baseline cubic volume estimate using your total home size in square feet, based on typical volume-per-square-foot ratios used across the relocation industry.

2. Furniture, Box & Appliance Volume

Every furniture piece, box size, and major appliance has a standard cubic feet value. The calculator multiplies your item counts by these values to get your true item-based volume — not just a guess based on room count.

3. Cubic Feet vs. Weight

Truck sizing and most local moving quotes are based on cubic feet (space), not weight. If you're comparing quotes from long-distance movers who price by weight, use this volume estimate alongside your item list to sanity-check their weight-based quote — heavy items like books take up little space but add significant weight, while bulky-but-light items like mattresses do the opposite.

4. Large & Oversized Items

Pianos, safes, and oversized appliances are added separately so they don't get lost in average estimates and throw off your truck size recommendation.

5. Truck Size Recommendation

Based on your total cubic volume, the calculator recommends the smallest truck that safely fits your load with a comfortable margin — so you're not paying for a bigger truck than you need.

6. Cost Estimation

Your estimated cost factors in truck base rate, distance, service type (self-move, partial, or full-service), and any packing or storage add-ons you select.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what truck size I need?
Enter your home size and item counts and the calculator compares your total cubic volume against standard truck capacities (10-12 ft, 16-20 ft, 24-26 ft) and recommends the best fit, keeping a 10-20% buffer for safe loading.
What is cubic feet in moving, and how is it calculated?
Cubic feet measures the 3D space your belongings take up in a truck. It's calculated by multiplying an item's length, width, and height. Movers use it because it reflects real loading space better than weight alone.
Should I estimate my move by weight or by cubic feet?
Cubic feet is the better measure for choosing a truck size, since trucks are priced and sized by volume, not weight. Weight matters more for long-distance movers who charge by pound — if you're booking an interstate or international move, ask your mover which measure they use for pricing.
How many moving boxes will I need?
As a rough guide: a studio needs 15-25 boxes, a 2-bedroom home needs 40-60, and a 4-bedroom home needs 80-100+. Use the calculator above for a more precise count based on your actual rooms and items.
Should I add extra space when booking a truck?
Yes. Always leave a 10-20% buffer for unexpected items, oddly shaped furniture, and safe, unstacked loading.
How do you calculate cubic meters for moving?
Calculate your total cubic feet, then divide by 35.315 to convert to cubic meters (m³). This is the standard unit used for moving quotes across Europe, the UK, and most countries outside the US.
How much furniture volume does a typical 3-bedroom home have?
A typical 3-bedroom home has roughly 1,200-1,800 cubic feet of furniture, boxes, and appliances combined, usually needing a 16-20 ft truck. Use the calculator above with your specific item counts for a more accurate figure.
Does this calculator include moving labor costs?
Yes. The estimate adjusts based on whether you choose a self-move, partial service, or full-service option, and includes optional packing and storage costs.