Free Packing List Worksheet (Excel)

List what is in every carton and get total units, CBM and weight automatically.

By Apparel Search · Updated October 2026

A packing list tells everyone what is in a shipment. This free Excel worksheet has a line for each group of identical cartons: the carton numbers, how many cartons, the style and color, the quantity of each size, weights and carton dimensions. It works out units per carton, the CBM per carton, and the total units, CBM and gross weight for each line, plus totals for the shipment. It is a working worksheet, and the documents used for customs have required content that differs by country, so confirm the format with your freight forwarder or customs broker.

Free downloadDownload Excel worksheet (.xlsx)Free to use in your own business. Please do not sell or republish the file as your own. Opens in Microsoft Excel, and can also be opened in Google Sheets or LibreOffice, though some formatting may differ. The sheets are protected without a password so formulas and the Apparel Search credit are not overwritten by accident. To customize, choose Review > Unprotect Sheet.

1. Fill in the shipment details

Enter the shipper, consignee, order or invoice reference, ship date, destination and price terms.

2. Add one line per group of identical cartons

Enter the carton numbers (for example 1-24), how many cartons are in the line, the style, the color, and the units of each size in one carton. If a carton holds a mix, add a separate line for it. Edit the size labels in the dark header if you use other sizes.

3. Add weights and dimensions

Enter the net and gross weight of one carton in kilograms, and its length, width and height in centimeters. The sheet calculates CBM per carton as length x width x height divided by 1,000,000.

4. Read the totals

Each line multiplies by the number of cartons in it. The totals row shows total cartons, units, CBM, gross weight and net weight for the shipment. Check them against the order.

Free Apparel Search tool

Plan how the cartons load with the Carton & Container Load Calculator.

5. Check it and send it to your forwarder

Check the carton count and units against the order. Ask your forwarder or customs broker what format and details they need for shipping documents.

Common mistakes

Counting a line of identical cartons only once in the carton total.
Mixing centimeters and inches.
Entering net weight where gross weight belongs.
Using this worksheet as a customs document without checking requirements.

Questions

Is this packing list worksheet free?

Yes. It is free to use in your own business. Please do not sell or republish the file as your own.

How is CBM calculated?

CBM per carton = length x width x height in centimeters divided by 1,000,000. The line total multiplies it by the number of cartons.

Can I use it as a customs document?

It is a working worksheet. Packing lists and invoices for customs must meet each country's requirements, so confirm the format and content with your forwarder or customs broker.

What is the difference between net and gross weight?

Net weight is the weight of the goods. Gross weight includes the packaging and the carton.

Keep going

For general information only. These templates are starting points for general use and are not legal, financial or compliance advice. Confirm specifications and requirements with your factory and qualified professionals. Apparel Search does not endorse any company listed in its directory. See our Legal page.