Pallet Calculator
Compare two carton orientations, stacking height and optional payload limits.
Results
Maximum cartons
- Best carton orientation
- A — length along pallet length
- Cartons per layer
- 9 pcs
- Available layers
- 6
- Cartons by space
- 54 pcs
- Used load height
- 1,500 mm
- Remaining height
- 0 mm
This calculator compares two uniform carton orientations. Mixed or interlocking layouts may fit more cartons in some cases. It does not assess stack stability, carton strength, overhang or handling clearance. Use a cargo payload limit that accounts for the pallet and equipment you use.
Formula · How it works
Formula
A = floor(Pallet length / Carton length) × floor(Pallet width / Carton width); B = floor(Pallet length / Carton width) × floor(Pallet width / Carton length); Per layer = max(A, B); Layers = floor(Load height / Carton height); Maximum cartons = min(Space limit, Weight limit when supplied)For each uniform orientation, round the carton count along each pallet edge down and multiply. Choose the larger layer count; a tie selects A. Available layers = floor(maximum load height / carton height). Space capacity = cartons per layer × available layers. If both weights are entered, weight capacity = floor(payload / carton weight), and the final count is the smaller capacity.
Worked example
A 1,200 × 1,000 mm pallet with 1,500 mm of usable load height and 400 × 300 × 250 mm cartons fits 9 cartons per layer in A or 8 in B. Six layers give 54 cartons by space. At 10 kg per carton and a 400 kg payload, the final count is 40 cartons, using 5 layers and 1,250 mm of height.
How it works
Used height is based on the final carton count after any weight limit: ceil(final cartons / cartons per layer) × carton height. A partially filled top layer still uses a full carton height. Remaining height is the load-height limit minus used height. Total load weight is shown when carton weight is supplied and excludes pallet tare weight.
Common questions
How many cartons fit on a pallet?
The calculator compares two uniform orientations, multiplies the better layer count by the number of full-height layers, and applies a weight limit when both weight inputs are supplied.
How do I calculate cartons per pallet?
Divide each pallet edge by the matching carton edge and round down. Multiply the two edge counts, then multiply by the number of layers. The calculator also compares a 90-degree horizontal rotation.
Can cartons be rotated on a pallet?
Yes. Orientation B rotates every carton 90 degrees in the horizontal plane. Carton height stays upright. Mixed orientations and turning cartons on their sides are not modeled.
Does this calculator consider pallet weight limits?
Yes, when both carton weight and maximum payload are entered. The payload is divided by carton weight and rounded down; the smaller of space and weight capacities is used.
Why can real pallet loading differ from the calculated result?
Mixed layouts may fit more cartons, while clearance, stability and carton strength may reduce practical capacity. Dimensions and payload estimates do not replace checking the actual load arrangement.