Enter box and pallet dimensions — see how many boxes fit per layer, total layers, and utilisation instantly
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Pallet Area Utilisation
A pallet calculator works out how many boxes or cartons fit on a single pallet. You enter box dimensions, pallet size, and weight limits — the tool calculates boxes per layer, total layers, and area utilisation in seconds. For ecommerce sellers shipping inventory to warehouses, 3PLs, or Amazon FBA, getting pallet loads right reduces wasted space, lowers freight costs, and avoids pallet overweight rejections.
The calculation has two parts. First, work out how many boxes fit in one layer: divide the pallet length by the box length, and the pallet width by the box width, then multiply. Second, divide the available stacking height by the box height to get the number of layers. Multiply layers by boxes per layer for the total. The formula:
Boxes per layer = floor(Pallet Length ÷ Box Length) × floor(Pallet Width ÷ Box Width)
Layers = floor(Available Height ÷ Box Height)
Total boxes = Boxes per layer × Layers
This calculator also tests a rotated orientation (swapping box length and width) and picks whichever layout fits more boxes. It then checks the weight limit and reduces layers if the total load would exceed your maximum.
The pallet you use depends on where you ship. These are the four most common standards:
| Standard | Dimensions | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| US GMA | 48 × 40 in (122 × 102 cm) | North America, Amazon FBA, Walmart |
| EUR/EPAL | 120 × 80 cm (47 × 31 in) | Europe, global freight |
| Asia Standard | 110 × 110 cm (43 × 43 in) | Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea |
| UK Standard | 120 × 100 cm (47 × 39 in) | UK retail and grocery |
If you sell across multiple regions — for example, shipping from a cross-border warehouse to both US and EU markets — you may need to plan loads for different pallet sizes. Use the pallet type dropdown to compare how the same boxes fit on each standard.
Freight is priced by the pallet or by cubic metre. A pallet loaded to 55% utilisation costs the same to ship as one loaded to 95% — you are paying for the space either way. Poor pallet utilisation means more pallets, higher shipping costs, and more warehouse space consumed. Sellers using platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop who bulk-ship to fulfilment centres can save 20–30% on logistics by optimising how boxes are stacked.
Once you know how many boxes fit per pallet, the next question is how many pallets fit in a shipping container. Standard container capacities:
| Container | US Pallets (48×40) | EUR Pallets (120×80) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 ft | 10 | 11 |
| 40 ft | 20 | 23–24 |
| 40 ft HC | 20 | 23–24 |
For cross-border ecommerce sellers importing stock, use this calculator to plan your box-per-pallet count, then multiply by the container's pallet capacity to get total units per shipment. Pair this with our landed cost calculator to work out the true per-unit import cost.
It depends on the box size. A US standard pallet (48 × 40 in) can hold 30–60 medium shipping cartons (e.g., 45 × 35 × 20 cm) across 4–6 layers. Smaller boxes fit more. Use the calculator above with your exact dimensions for a precise count.
Most warehouses and carriers accept 150 cm (59 in) total height including the pallet deck (about 15 cm). Some facilities allow up to 180 cm (71 in). Amazon FBA requires pallets to be no taller than 182 cm (72 in) total. Always check your carrier or warehouse requirements before loading.
Aim for 80% or higher area utilisation. Below 70% means significant wasted space and higher per-unit freight costs. If utilisation is low, try rotating boxes, adjusting carton sizes, or switching pallet standards.
No — this calculator assumes all boxes fit within the pallet footprint with no overhang. Most carriers and warehouses require boxes to stay within the pallet edge. If your boxes overhang, they risk damage during transit and may be rejected.