Pallet Calculator
Enter carton dimensions, weight, quantity, and pallet type to estimate the number of pallets required, cartons per pallet, total weight, and pallet footprint. Supports Euro, UK, US, and custom pallet sizes.
Enter carton dimensions, weight, quantity, and pallet type to estimate pallet count, cartons per pallet, total weight, and pallet footprint. Supports Euro, UK, US, and custom pallet sizes.
Carton Details
Pallet Settings
Including pallet board (~150 mm)
Cargo only, excluding pallet tare
Formula
Cartons per layer = floor(pallet L ÷ carton L) × floor(pallet W ÷ carton W) | Layers = min(floor(available height ÷ carton H), floor(max weight ÷ (cartons per layer × carton weight)))
The calculator tests both carton orientations on the pallet floor and picks the layout that fits more cartons per layer. Layer count is limited by whichever constraint is reached first — maximum stack height or maximum pallet weight.
Worked Example
200 cartons · 400 × 300 × 200 mm · 5 kg each · Euro pallet (1200 × 800 mm) · max height 1,800 mm · max weight 1,000 kg.
Cartons per layer: floor(1200÷400) × floor(800÷300) = 3 × 2 = 6
Available height: 1,800 − 150 (board) = 1,650 mm
Layers by height: floor(1,650 ÷ 200) = 8
Weight per layer: 6 × 5 kg = 30 kg → layers by weight: floor(1,000 ÷ 30) = 33
Effective layers: min(8, 33) = 8
Cartons per pallet: 6 × 8 = 48
Pallets required: ceil(200 ÷ 48) = 5 pallets
5 Euro pallets, each with 40 cartons (the last pallet carries 8 cartons). Total weight: 200 × 5 kg = 1,000 kg. Use the CBM Calculator to get the freight volume for LCL quotes.
Use this in your workflow
After calculating pallet count and dimensions, use the CBM Calculator or Pallet CBM Calculator to get freight volume for LCL quotes. Use the Container Loading Calculator to check FCL fit. Browse all Free Business Calculators.
When to use this calculator
- →Estimating how many pallets a shipment will require before booking transport
- →Calculating total pallet weight to confirm it is within carrier or warehouse limits
- →Planning warehouse storage space based on pallet footprint and height
- →Confirming pallet count for LTL freight booking or pallet exchange requirements
Pallet size reference
| Pallet type | Dimensions (mm) |
|---|---|
| Euro pallet (EUR/EPAL) | 1,200 × 800 |
| UK pallet | 1,200 × 1,000 |
| US GMA pallet | 1,219 × 1,016 (48×40 in) |
| Half Euro pallet | 800 × 600 |
Max pallet weights are typical carrier and warehouse limits for cargo only (excluding pallet tare weight ~20–25 kg). Always confirm limits with your specific carrier.
Limitations
This calculator assumes uniform carton sizes, single-orientation packing, and no overhang. It does not account for carton stacking strength limits, mixed carton layers, or warehouse-specific packing rules. For fragile or irregular goods, actual carton counts per layer may be lower than estimated. Always confirm final pallet configuration with your warehouse or 3PL provider before booking transport.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Euro pallet size?
A Euro pallet (EUR/EPAL) measures 1,200 × 800 mm. It is the standard pallet size across Europe. Usable stack height is typically 1,650 mm above the pallet board, giving a total height limit of approximately 1,800 mm.
What is the maximum weight on a Euro pallet?
A standard Euro pallet has a dynamic load capacity of 1,500 kg. In practice, most carriers and warehouses limit cargo to 1,000–1,500 kg. Always confirm weight limits with your carrier.
How many cartons fit on a pallet?
It depends on carton dimensions, pallet size, and max stack height. As a rough guide, 20–40 standard-sized cartons (600×400×400 mm) fit on a Euro pallet. This calculator provides the estimate for your specific carton size.
What is the difference between a Euro pallet, UK pallet and US pallet?
Euro: 1,200 × 800 mm. UK: 1,200 × 1,000 mm (wider). US GMA: 1,219 × 1,016 mm (48 × 40 inches). The UK and US pallets fit more cartons per layer for the same carton size.
How is pallet footprint calculated?
Pallet footprint is pallet length × pallet width × number of pallets. For example, 5 Euro pallets: 1.2 × 0.8 × 5 = 4.8 m². Used for transport planning and LTL freight booking.
How accurate is this pallet calculator?
The calculator assumes single-orientation packing with no overhang. It tests both carton orientations and selects the best fit. Actual counts may differ due to stacking strength limits and warehouse preferences. Treat results as planning estimates.