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.
What this calculator does
The Pallet Calculator estimates how many cartons fit on a pallet, how many pallets your shipment requires, total shipment weight, and the pallet footprint for transport and storage planning. Enter carton dimensions, weight, quantity and pallet type — it tests both carton orientations and selects the layout that maximises cartons per layer.
Use it to plan warehouse storage, estimate LTL freight requirements, check weight limits, and confirm pallet counts before booking transport.
Worked example
Palletising 200 cartons for UK warehouse delivery
| Carton size | 400 × 300 × 250 mm |
| Carton weight | 8 kg |
| Total cartons | 200 |
| Pallet type | Euro (1200 × 800 mm) |
| Max pallet height | 1,800 mm |
| Cartons per layer (best fit) | 8 (4 × 2 in long orientation) |
| Layers per pallet | 6 (250mm × 6 = 1,500mm + 150mm pallet = 1,650mm) |
| Cartons per pallet | 48 |
| Pallets required | 5 (200 ÷ 48 = 4.17, rounded up) |
| Total weight | 200 × 8 kg = 1,600 kg (320 kg/pallet) |
| Pallet footprint | 5 × 0.96 m² = 4.8 m² |
At 320 kg per pallet, this is well within the typical 1,000–1,500 kg carrier limit. The 4.8 m² footprint fits a standard LTL curtain-side trailer. The 5th pallet is only partially loaded (8 cartons) — consider whether it can be consolidated with other goods.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ×Using inner carton dimensions — carriers measure the outer dimensions including flaps and any bulging. Always use the outer measurement.
- ×Exceeding pallet weight limits — even if cartons physically fit, exceeding 1,000–1,500 kg per pallet will be rejected by most carriers.
- ×Ignoring max stack height — fragile or soft-top cartons may not stack to full pallet height without crushing. Check carton BCT (box compression test) ratings.
- ×Forgetting pallet overhang rules — most carriers require no overhang beyond the pallet edge for safety and stacking. Overhanging cartons may be rejected.
- ×Not accounting for pallet tare weight — the pallet itself weighs 20–25 kg. For weight-sensitive air freight, this adds up across multiple pallets.
How pallet planning connects to container loading and CBM
Pallet count determines whether you ship LTL (less-than-truckload) or need a full container. A 20ft container fits approximately 10 Euro pallets single-stacked or 20 if double-stacked. A 40ft container fits approximately 21 Euro pallets. If your pallet count exceeds LTL thresholds but fills less than half a container, you are in the cost gap where neither option is efficient — consider consolidation.
Pallet volume also feeds into CBM calculations for sea freight quoting. Each Euro pallet at 1,800mm total height occupies approximately 1.73 CBM. Five pallets = 8.64 CBM — useful for comparing LCL rates (priced per CBM) against the cost of a full container.
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.
Related guides
How volume drives freight pricing — sea, air and warehouse. Includes the relationship between pallet volume and CBM.
How freight (driven by pallet count and volume) feeds into total landed cost per unit.
Step-by-step CBM planning workflow from carton measurement to container selection.
Important note
Pallet calculations are planning estimates. Actual pallet patterns depend on carton rigidity, stacking restrictions, overhang rules and carrier-specific height/weight limits. Always confirm pallet specifications with your carrier or 3PL warehouse before booking transport.
Last updated: July 2026