Shipping & Freight Calculators
Pallet Calculator
Work out how many boxes fit per layer and per pallet, and how many pallets you need for a given order quantity. Supports US 48×40 in and EU 1200×1000 mm / 1200×800 mm pallet sizes.
Last updated: June 2026
Formula Used
Boxes per row (W) = floor(pallet_W ÷ box_W)
Boxes per layer = rows_L × rows_W
Layers = floor(max_stack_height ÷ box_H)
Boxes per pallet = boxes_per_layer × layers
Pallets needed = ceil(total_boxes ÷ boxes_per_pallet)
Columnar stacking model. Add 5–10% extra pallets as a buffer.
Example Calculation
1,000 boxes (30×20×15 cm) on EU 1200×1000 mm pallets, 150 cm max height: Rows: 4×5 = 20/layer · Layers: 10 · Boxes/pallet: 200 · Pallets needed: 5.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select pallet type (US 48×40 in, EUR 1200×800 mm, EUR2 1200×1000 mm).
- Enter box dimensions in the same unit system.
- Enter maximum stack height.
- Enter total boxes to ship.
- Read boxes per layer, per pallet, and total pallets.
Standard Pallet Dimensions
| Pallet type | Size (L×W) | Used in |
|---|---|---|
| US GMA | 48 × 40 in (1219 × 1016 mm) | US, Canada, Mexico |
| EUR/EPAL | 1200 × 800 mm (47.2 × 31.5 in) | Europe, worldwide |
| EUR2 / Industrial | 1200 × 1000 mm (47.2 × 39.4 in) | Europe, Asia |
| Asia | 1100 × 1100 mm (43.3 × 43.3 in) | Japan, Korea, SE Asia |
Notes & Limitations
Assumes uniform box sizes. Mixed carton sizes require manual or software load planning. Wood pallets typically handle 1,000–1,500 kg static. See also: Container Loading Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many boxes fit on a standard pallet?
It depends on box size and stack height. Rough benchmark: US 48×40 pallet with 40×30×20 cm boxes and 150 cm max height fits ~120 boxes (4 wide × 3 deep × 10 layers). Use this calculator for your exact dimensions.
What is the standard pallet size in the US?
The most common US pallet is the GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) pallet at 48 × 40 inches (1,219 × 1,016 mm), accounting for approximately 30% of all pallets in North America.
What is the difference between EUR and EUR2 pallets?
The EUR pallet (EPAL) is 1200 × 800 mm — the most common in Europe, designed to fit 2 per standard EU truck lane. The EUR2 is 1200 × 1000 mm, 25% larger, used for heavier goods.
How high can I stack boxes on a pallet?
Industry standard maximum pallet height is 1.8–2.0 m for warehouse storage. For shipping, most trucking carriers allow 1.6–1.8 m loaded height. Air freight is typically limited to 160 cm for lower-deck positions.
What is pallet overhang and is it allowed?
Pallet overhang is when boxes extend beyond the pallet edge. Up to 25–50 mm overhang may be accepted in warehouses but is generally not recommended as it reduces stability during forklift handling.
How do I calculate pallets for a full truckload?
A standard 53 ft semi-trailer fits approximately 26 US pallets (48×40 in) single-row. A 40 ft trailer fits about 20 pallets. Divide your total pallet count by pallets per truck to get the number of trucks needed.