Grain capacity vs bale capacity
Grain capacity is the total volume of a cargo hold including the space between frames, brackets and hopper sides, because bulk grain can flow into those spaces. Bale capacity is the volume inside the hold lining, used for bagged or baled cargo that cannot fill the frame spaces. Grain capacity is therefore always larger than bale capacity. Ship certificates list both figures in cubic metres and cubic feet.
How this calculator works
Grain volume is estimated as Length × Breadth × Height for a rectangular hold. Bale volume = Grain volume × Bale factor. A factor of 0.93 is a common first estimate when the exact certificate figure is not in hand. Real holds are not perfect boxes, so this is only a planning estimate. Official figures must come from the ship’s capacity plan.
Who should use it
Useful for officers and operators checking whether a cargo quantity will fit. Always confirm with the capacity plan, stowage factor and any grain stability requirements before loading.