Warehouse calculator

Pallet Loading Calculator — Cartons per Layer, Height & Weight

Build a transparent column-stack plan for Euro, industrial, GMA, half-Euro, or custom pallets. Compare carton rotation, height, weight, and footprint limits in one result.

CostFree

AccountNot required

ResultUpdates live

Rules reviewedAugust 2026

Prefilled worked example

1,200 × 1,000 mm pallet with 400 × 300 × 250 mm cartons

Estimate cartons per layer, layers, finished height and the weight limit that controls a pallet loading plan.

Cartons = min(cartons per layer × layers, floor(max load weight ÷ carton weight))

Run the example ↓

Your inputs

Live result

Pallet preset

Pallet length

Pallet width

Carton length

Carton width

Carton height

Add height, weight and pallet constraintsOptional

Pallet base height

Maximum total height

Includes the pallet base.

Maximum cargo weight

Gross carton weight

Layer pattern3 × 3 · 40 × 30 cm

Pallet-capacity flow

Check footprint, height, and weight separately

EPAL and ISO pallet references reviewed August 6, 2026

01Pallet preset
Euro, GMA, industrial, or verified custom size
02Two orientations
Test straight rows at 0° and 90°
03Per layer
Keep the larger whole-carton grid
04Height limit
Subtract the pallet base and divide by carton height
05Weight limit
Maximum load weight ÷ carton gross weight
06Capacity
Use the lowest applicable whole-carton limit

Use this when

Questions this estimate can answer

You are comparing Euro, industrial, GMA or custom pallet footprints.
You need a whole-carton orientation before a warehouse trial load.
You want height, footprint and gross-weight constraints in one result.

Not for

Checks you still need to make

Approving pallet stability, compression strength or safe working load.
Mixed-carton nesting, interlocking patterns or overhang optimisation.
Ignoring equipment clearance, wrap, straps or transport restrictions.

Need the repeatable version?

Carry this result into the $19 operations workbook.

Batch calculations, quote comparisons, landed cost, pallet planning, and margin sheets stay connected in one editable Excel file.

Preview the workbook ↗

Method & limits

How this estimate works

FreightKit keeps the working visible so you can sense-check the answer before using it in a decision.

Cartons = min(cartons per layer × layers, floor(max load weight ÷ carton weight))

This planning estimate assumes no overhang and identical cartons. It does not assess compression strength, stability, local rules, or safe working load.

Explore the complete Pallet loading reference ↗

Primary referencesEPAL Euro pallet specifications ↗ISO 6780 pallet dimensions overview ↗

This calculator is a planning aid, not a carrier quotation, engineering assessment, or professional advice. Verify critical figures against current supplier and carrier documentation.

Worked example

1,200 × 1,000 mm pallet with 400 × 300 × 250 mm cartons

The best straight-row orientation fits 3 × 3 cartons, or 9 per layer.
A 165 cm total-height limit less a 15 cm pallet base leaves 150 cm: 6 full layers.
Geometry allows 54 cartons; a 1,000 kg cargo limit at 20 kg per carton allows only 50.

ResultThe weight limit controls at 50 cartons, subject to pallet rating, compression and stability approval.

Avoid these errors

Common mistakes that change the answer

Forgetting that a total-height limit includes the pallet base and load restraints.
Counting cartons from area percentages instead of whole rows.
Using pallet capacity as proof that the bottom cartons can carry the stack.
Optimising count without documenting orientation, wrap and overhang rules.

A calculator can expose the arithmetic; the applicable carrier rate card, handling standard, or freight quotation still controls the real transaction.

Free to embed

Put this calculator on your site.

Paste one iframe into a logistics article, supplier portal, or internal knowledge base. The calculator stays hosted and updated by FreightKit.

<iframe src="https://shipmathlab.com/embed/pallet-load-calculator" title="Pallet Loading Calculator — Cartons per Layer, Height & Weight" width="100%" height="820" loading="lazy" style="border:0"></iframe>

Formula source on GitHub ↗

Use the number well

8 minBuild a pallet loading plan before the warehouse starts ↗

Estimate layers, height, weight, and carton count while keeping the safety checks visible.

8 minStandard pallet sizes and carton-fit examples ↗

Compare Euro, industrial, GMA, and half-pallet footprints before fixing a carton or layer pattern.

8 minPallet height, weight, and stability limits: what controls the load? ↗

Turn a geometric carton count into a usable pallet specification by applying the constraints that geometry leaves out.

8 minSeven pallet-loading calculation mistakes that inflate carton count ↗

Catch the geometry, height, weight, and operating-rule errors that turn a neat calculator result into an unusable load plan.

Keep calculating