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Pallet calculator: how many cartons fit on a pallet
Enter the carton and pallet sizes and your stack height limit. The calculator tests both carton orientations and tells you how many cartons a pallet holds.
Cartons per pallet equals cartons per layer times the number of layers that fit under the height limit. At the default sizes a pallet holds 45 cartons, so 2,000 cartons need 45 pallets.
Written by Procurement VMS Editorial Team · Reviewed by Michael, Procurement Advisor Expert · Updated
Your numbers
The boxes start with an example so you can see how it works. Replace them with your own figures.
Your result
A pallet holds 45 cartons, 9 to a layer and 5 layers high, and weighs about 560 kilograms full. Your order needs 45 pallets.
| Cartons per layer, long side along the pallet | 9 |
|---|---|
| Cartons per layer, turned | 8 |
| Cartons per layer, best fit | 9 |
| Layers that fit | 5 |
| Cartons per pallet | 45 |
| Pallets needed | 45 |
| Weight of a full pallet | 560 kg |
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How the pallet calculator works
The formula
Cartons per layer = the larger of INT(pallet L / carton L) x INT(pallet W / carton W) and INT(pallet L / carton W) x INT(pallet W / carton L). Layers = INT((max height - pallet height) / carton height).
A pallet is a footprint and a height. The footprint decides how many cartons fit in a layer, and the height limit decides how many layers you can stack. Rotating the carton can change the layer count, so the calculator tests both ways.
The result assumes cartons stand in straight columns. Interlocking patterns can fit more, but they are harder to unload. Check pallet weight too, because a tall stack of dense cartons can exceed what your racking or carrier accepts.
The example numbers are illustrative and are not benchmarks. Use your own data for any decision.
How to use it with your own data
- Enter the outer carton size and the pallet footprint. Standard sizes differ by region, so use the one you actually ship on.
- Set the maximum stack height from your carrier or warehouse rules, with the empty pallet height included.
- Read the pallet count and the weight per pallet, then check both against your carrier limits.
Mistakes that skew the answer
Forgetting the pallet height
The height limit includes the pallet itself. Subtracting it first can remove a whole layer.
Letting cartons overhang
Overhang weakens the stack and many carriers charge for it or refuse the pallet. Stay inside the footprint.
Ignoring weight
A full pallet near 1,000 kilograms may exceed what your carrier or racking allows even when space remains.
What to do with the result
Take the pallet count into the freight cost per unit calculator and into your packing list. If the load goes in a container, check it with the CBM calculator for the number of containers.
Questions about the pallet calculator
How many cartons fit on a pallet?
It depends on the carton size, the pallet footprint and the stack height limit. Multiply cartons per layer by the number of layers.
What is the standard pallet size?
Sizes vary by region. A common footprint is 120 by 100 centimeters, and others such as 120 by 80 centimeters are widely used.
Should I turn the cartons?
Test both orientations. The calculator does this and returns the better of the two.
Does this include shrink wrap and corner boards?
No. Add a centimeter or two to the carton size if wrap or edge protection adds to the footprint.