Free shipping tools
Pallet calculator
How many boxes fit on your pallet? Enter a carton size, pallet footprint and loading limits. Get the count, the layer layout and the pallets your order needs.
Complete results, free. No account or card needed.
Cartons per pallet
8 boxes per layer × 5 layers = 40 boxes
For an order of 100 cartons, allow 3 pallets. The layout and weights above show one pallet at capacity, not the entire order.
- Boxes per layer (TI)
- 8
- Layers used (HI)
- 5
- Pallets for your order
- 3
- Total loaded height
- 164.4 cm
- Gross pallet weight
- 425 kg
- First-layer coverage
- 100%
The drawing shows the first layer. Amber cartons are turned 90°. Each further layer repeats this layout; a weight-limited final layer can be partial.
Worked examples
Common carton sizes on a euro pallet
Every count below is calculated with the same method as the tool. Open an example to inspect the layer pattern and change its limits.
| Carton L × W × H | Boxes per layer (TI) | Layers used (HI) | Boxes per pallet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 × 40 × 40 cm | 4 | 4 | 16 |
| 60 × 40 × 30 cm | 4 | 5 | 20 |
| 50 × 30 × 30 cm | 6 | 5 | 30 |
| 40 × 30 × 30 cm | 8 | 5 | 40 |
| 40 × 30 × 20 cm | 8 | 8 | 64 |
| 30 × 20 × 15 cm | 16 | 10 | 147 |
EUR footprint 120 × 80 cm; pallet deck 14.4 cm and tare 25 kg; maximum total height 180 cm and gross weight 1,500 kg; each carton 10 kg. Cartons upright, no overhang. These are example loading limits, not universal pallet ratings.
How to calculate boxes per pallet
- 1. Find a layer layout.Compare both upright orientations, then try mixed rows and columns. Keep the arrangement that fits the most cartons entirely inside the pallet footprint. This count is TI.
- 2. Subtract the deck before counting layers.Available cargo height = maximum total height − pallet deck height. Divide by carton height and round down to get the height limit in layers, or HI. For the default example: (180 − 14.4) ÷ 30 gives five complete layers.
- 3. Apply the weight limit.Available cargo weight = maximum gross weight − empty pallet weight. Divide by carton weight and round down. Capacity is the smaller of this count and TI × HI. A weight cap can leave a partial final layer.
- 4. Divide the order by the capacity.Pallets needed = order quantity ÷ boxes per pallet, rounded up. An order of 100 cartons with 40 cartons per pallet needs three pallets.
What this calculation covers
One rectangular carton size per pallet, upright, with identical repeated layers and no overhang. The method compares uniform grids and mixed layouts with one dividing line; it does not prove the best possible packing. It does not assess carton crush strength, load restraint or interlocking stability. Use your actual pallet, racking, door-clearance and carrier limits. Use the 3D planner for mixed cartons and additional handling rules.
Pallet calculation questions
How many boxes fit on a euro pallet?
It depends on carton dimensions and loading limits. With 40 × 30 × 30 cm cartons, a 120 × 80 cm euro pallet holds eight boxes per layer. With a 14.4 cm pallet deck and 180 cm maximum total height, five layers fit: 40 cartons before any tighter weight limit.
What do TI and HI mean?
TI is the number of cartons in one pallet layer. HI is the number of layers. TI × HI gives the carton count for complete layers. A weight limit may reduce that count and leave a partial layer.
Does the maximum height include the pallet?
Yes. This calculator subtracts the pallet deck height from the maximum total height before counting carton layers. Use the total height permitted by your carrier, rack or container door.
Can I calculate a 48 × 40 inch US pallet?
Yes. Choose the US 48 × 40 preset and switch to inches and pounds if needed. Check the deck height, tare and maximum loading limits against your actual pallet specification.
Is this pallet calculator free?
Yes. The carton count, layer drawing, shareable link and browser printout are free without an account. The separate 3D planner handles mixed loads and additional constraints; full custom results in that planner require paid access, starting with a $9 pack.
For a more complex shipment
Mix cartons. Add handling rules. Plan in 3D.
Use the full planner for different carton sizes, fragile cargo and container loading. Explore examples and preview your load free; full custom 3D results start with a $9 pack.
The transfer uses the space above one pallet, subtracting pallet height and tare weight. The pallet itself is not drawn in the planner.