Pallet Calculator
Calculate how many boxes fit on a standard or custom pallet.
Box Dimensions (inches)
Pallet Dimensions (inches)
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
Can't find what you need?
Request a ToolHow to Use the Pallet Calculator
Optimize pallet loading for warehouse and shipping operations:
- Enter box dimensions. Measure the outer dimensions of one carton in inches: length, width, and height.
- Set pallet dimensions. The default is a standard North American GMA pallet (48x40 inches). Update if using euro pallets (47x31 inches) or custom sizes.
- Set the maximum stack height. Most warehouse operations limit pallets to 72 inches (6 feet). Carrier requirements may differ. Update to match your operation's limits.
The calculator uses simple grid stacking without rotation optimization. For maximum density, test both box orientations (swap length and width) to see which fits more boxes per layer.
About Pallet Loading
The standard GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) pallet used in North America measures 48x40 inches. European pallets (EUR/EPAL) measure 1,200x800 mm (47.2x31.5 inches). A standard stack height of 72 inches includes the pallet itself (typically 5-6 inches), leaving 66-67 inches for cargo. Refrigerated and freezer pallets may have lower height restrictions.
This calculator uses simple columnar stacking, where boxes are placed in a regular grid without rotation between layers. In practice, pallets are often hand-stacked with alternating brick or pinwheel patterns for better stability. The actual count may vary slightly from the calculator result depending on stacking pattern and available overhang allowances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dimensions of a standard pallet?
The standard North American GMA pallet measures 48 inches by 40 inches (122 x 102 cm). It is the most common pallet in the US and Canada, used by major retailers and distributors. European pallets (EUR/EPAL) are 1,200 x 800 mm (about 47 x 31 inches). ISO standard pallets (1,200 x 1,000 mm) are used in Asia and some European markets. Custom pallets exist for specific industries. Always confirm pallet specifications with your warehouse or 3PL.
How much weight can a standard pallet hold?
A standard wood GMA pallet can typically support 2,500 pounds (1,134 kg) when loaded on a flat surface. In rack storage, the same pallet may be rated for only 1,500-2,000 pounds due to the way rack rails distribute load through the pallet. Plastic pallets vary widely by design, from 1,500 to 3,000+ pounds. Always check the manufacturer's static and dynamic load ratings, as they differ significantly.
Can boxes hang over the edge of a pallet?
A small overhang is generally acceptable. Most operations allow up to 2-3 inches of overhang per side. Greater overhang reduces stability and can cause damage to boxes and products. Some retailers and 3PLs have strict no-overhang policies. This calculator uses exact pallet dimensions without overhang allowance, which is the conservative approach. Adding 2 inches per side to the pallet dimensions would account for allowable overhang in your calculation.
What is a euro pallet vs. a standard pallet?
A euro pallet (EUR/EPAL) measures 1,200 x 800 mm (47.2 x 31.5 inches) and is the standard in Europe. The North American GMA pallet is 48 x 40 inches (1,219 x 1,016 mm), slightly larger than the euro pallet. Euro pallets are certified and carry the EPAL mark. If shipping between US and Europe, this size difference affects how many pallets fit in a container and how boxes can be arranged. Enter the euro pallet dimensions directly in this calculator to plan European warehouse loads.