Pallet Calculator
Geometric calculation for pallet loading. Enter box and pallet dimensions to see boxes per layer, layers per pallet and boxes per pallet, plus pallets per 40ft container.
How many pallets fit in a container?
Single-tier floor-loaded counts for the standard pallet footprints in GCC import traffic. Counts assume pallets loaded flat with no overhang and normal 25–50 mm stowage clearance; double-stacking doubles the count only when cargo height and payload allow.
| Pallet type | Footprint | 20ft | 40ft | 40ft HC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Euro pallet (EPAL) | 1.20 × 0.80 m | 11 | 23–24 | 23–24 |
| ISO / industrial pallet | 1.20 × 1.00 m | 10 | 20–21 | 20–21 |
| GMA pallet (North America) | 1.219 × 1.016 m | 10 | 20–21 | 20–21 |
| Half / display pallet | 0.80 × 0.60 m | 22 | 46–48 | 46–48 |
| Container | Internal floor | Internal height |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard | 5.90 × 2.35 m | 2.39 m |
| 40ft standard | 12.03 × 2.35 m | 2.39 m |
| 40ft high cube | 12.03 × 2.35 m | 2.69 m |
Internal dimensions vary slightly by container owner and build year — always confirm against the carrier's specification for the exact unit released to you.
How the Pallet Calculator works
- Boxes per layer depends on carton footprint against the pallet footprint.
- Stack height limits are set by container height and product crush strength.
- Standard export pallets are 120 × 100 cm and 120 × 80 cm (Euro).
- A 40ft container typically takes 20-21 standard pallets on the floor.
Example: 40 × 30 × 25 cm cartons on a 120 × 100 cm pallet at 180 cm stack: 10 per layer, 7 layers, 70 boxes per pallet.
Read the full Pallet Calculator guide — steps, worked examples and FAQsContainer & pallet loading toolkit
Maximum cartons per 20ft, 40ft and 40HC container with utilisation %.
Convert carton dimensions and quantity into cubic metres and container size.
Pallet sizes, pallets-per-container counts and export packing guidelines.
Optimize palletized loading
Reduce damage from over-stacking
Plan warehouse space accurately
Related intelligence
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Maximum cartons per container and utilization percentage.
Convert box dimensions and quantity into cubic metres.
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