Pallet Calculator
Estimate cartons per pallet with six simple orientations, cargo height and optional payload constraints.
Pallet loading estimate
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Calculate locally in your browser. Your shipment details are not saved.
How it works
Choose a reference pallet or enter the footprint you actually have. Maximum cargo height above pallet is the vertical space available for cartons only. If your overall height limit includes the pallet itself, subtract its height first.
The fit engine tries the six axis-aligned rotations of an identical rectangular carton. In each trial, every carton has the same orientation. It counts complete positions along the footprint and complete layers within the cargo height.
When both carton weight and payload limit are supplied, the lower of the space capacity and weight capacity applies. A quantity below capacity uses only the requested cartons; capacity is not a recommendation to add cargo.
Formula
Space capacity = floor(pallet length ÷ carton length) × floor(pallet width ÷ carton width) × floor(cargo height ÷ carton height)
Inputs are normalized before calculation. Results are rounded for display.Worked example
For a 120 × 80 cm footprint, 40 × 30 × 20 cm cartons and 100 cm cargo height, the best tested uniform layout uses oriented edges of 40 × 20 × 30 cm: 3 × 4 cartons per layer and 3 layers, or 36 cartons. At 10 kg each that is 360 kg. A 250 kg payload limit reduces the load to 25 cartons.
Limitations and assumptions
- This is a rectangular, axis-aligned planning estimate, not a full industrial 3D packing optimization.
- Rotating a carton is assumed to be permitted. Upright-only, fragile or non-stackable goods need a separate constrained plan.
- Pallet condition, deck support, wrapping, overhang, load distribution and stacking strength require physical review.
Read the calculation disclaimer before relying on an estimate for a shipment.
Frequently asked questions
Does the height include the pallet?
No. Enter the maximum cargo height above the pallet. Subtract pallet height from an overall loaded-height limit before using the field.
Why is capacity lower after I enter a payload?
The weight constraint may allow fewer cartons than the footprint and height. Both constraints must be respected.
Does the calculator interlock alternate layers?
No. It tests a uniform rectangular orientation. Interlocking layers or mixed arrangements may have a different count and different stability.