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Pallet Loading Calculator
Enter the packed carton size, the pallet footprint, the height and weight limits, and the shipment quantity. The calculator returns cartons per layer, cartons per pallet, the binding limit and the number of pallets needed.
From carton footprint to cartons per pallet
The calculator tries both footprint orientations on the pallet, keeps cartons upright, and multiplies the better layer count by the number of layers that fit under your height limit. Your stacking efficiency then removes space for gaps, corner boards and wrap, and the pallet weight limit caps the result.
Overhang is not allowed in the model. A carton that hangs over the deck is vulnerable in transit and may be refused by the warehouse, so use a larger pallet or change the packing rather than forcing the count.
Turn cartons into a pallet count
Enter the shipment quantity and the calculator divides it by cartons per pallet, rounding up. The last pallet is shown separately: a nearly empty final pallet is expensive because freight and handling are often charged per pallet or per cubic metre.
If the last pallet is barely used, compare shipping those cartons floor-loaded or on a shared pallet with your forwarder. LCL is usually billed on volume, so pallet count matters less there than in a full container or a pallet-rate road service.
Pallet standards and real limits
Common footprints are ISO 1200 × 1000 mm, EUR/EPAL 1200 × 800 mm and the US GMA 48 × 40 in pallet. Confirm the actual pallet before planning: a 20 cm difference in one side can change the layer count by a third.
Road freight commonly limits pallets to 1000–1200 kg and about 1.6–1.8 m total height including the pallet. Air cargo and parcel networks are stricter. Always add the pallet's own height when checking trailer, container or warehouse clearance.
First-mile freight — all entries
Every entry links to its full reference page. The search box above filters this list.
Frequently asked questions
How many cartons fit on a standard pallet?
For a 50 × 40 × 30 cm carton on a 120 × 100 cm pallet with 150 cm of cargo height, six cartons fit per layer and five layers fit, giving 30 before efficiency. At 90% stacking efficiency that is 27 cartons, provided the 1000 kg pallet weight limit is not reached first.
Should the height limit include the pallet?
This calculator asks for cargo height above the pallet. Add the pallet height, typically 12–15 cm, when you check total clearance for a trailer, container or warehouse rack.
How many pallets fit in a 40ft container?
In a simple two-row grid, a 40ft container holds about 20 ISO 1200 × 1000 mm pallets or 20 EUR pallets, but the real number depends on the loading pattern, pallet condition and whether the pallets can be turned. Confirm the plan with the loader.
Can cartons overhang the pallet?
This model assumes no overhang. Overhanging cartons are easily crushed, can snag on equipment and may be rejected by warehouses and carriers. Use a larger pallet or repack instead.
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