title: Finding the optimal 3D box sizes for a group of 3D rectangular items
body: <p>When I say box I am talking about shipping boxes.</p>
  
  <p>I have a number of random sized, small items that I need to pack into as few boxes as possible.
  I need to know what box sizes are optimal.</p>
  
  <ul>
  <li>All items are <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=rectangular%20prisms" rel="nofollow">rectangular prisms</a>.</li>
  <li>It's easy to exclude a box size for an item which is too large to fit.</li>
  <li>I know the box sizes (they are the available box sizes which I have in-stock)</li>
  <li>Items can be positioned horizontally or vertically, not diagonal.</li>
  <li>As many boxes as required can be used. The goal is to use as few boxes as possible.</li>
  <li>Multiple box sizes may be used to optimally fit the varying-sized items.</li>
  </ul>
  
  <p>What algorithm exists that allows me to calculate the box sizes I need to use for optimal space usage? <strong>To fit the most items into as few boxes as possible.</strong></p>
  
  <p>The available box sizes come from what I have available, in-stock. You can create a finite number of made up box sizes for example purposes.</p>