Pallet Calculator
See how many cartons fit on a standard pallet from your box size, pallet footprint, and maximum safe stacking height.
Reviewed by the CalcCafe editorial team · Last updated 1 July 2026 · How we test our tools
Example
A 12 × 10 in carton on a 48 × 40 in pallet fits floor(48÷12) × floor(40÷10) = 4 × 4 = 16 cartons per layer. At 8 in tall with a 60 in maximum stack you get floor(60÷8) = 7 layers, for a total of 16 × 7 = 112 cartons per pallet.
How it works
Cartons per layer = floor(pallet length ÷ carton length) × floor(pallet width ÷ carton width). Layers = floor(max stack height ÷ carton height). Cartons per pallet = cartons per layer × layers. Each term is floored because partial boxes cannot be used.
Good to know
Fitting cartons onto a pallet is really two separate puzzles: how many boxes cover the deck in one layer, and how many layers you can safely stack before hitting a height or weight limit. This tool handles both with plain floor division, so the count only ever includes whole cartons that genuinely fit within the footprint and the stack height you give it.
The single-orientation assumption is the big simplification to keep in mind. Real pallet patterns often rotate alternate boxes or use interlocked "brick" layers to lock the load together and squeeze out extra units — a 48 × 40 in deck, the standard GMA footprint used across much of North American shipping, frequently accepts a smarter arrangement than a straight grid. Treat the result as a conservative baseline; a pallet-pattern optimizer or a quick sketch on graph paper may reveal a few more per layer.
Height is usually the constraint that decides your layer count, and it is worth setting deliberately. Warehouses, trucks, and racking all impose maximum load heights, and heavier products may cap you well below the physical ceiling to stay within a safe stacking weight. Measure from the top of the pallet deck to your allowed ceiling, not from the floor, and leave a little clearance for shrink wrap and slip sheets.
Use the numbers for quick planning — estimating how many pallets an order needs, checking whether a redesign of the carton saves a layer, or sanity-checking a supplier's stated case count. For binding freight quotes or racking limits, confirm against your carrier's and warehouse's actual specifications.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard pallet size this uses?
The defaults are 48 × 40 inches, the GMA/standard footprint common in North American shipping, with a 60 inch stack height. You can change all of these to match Euro pallets (about 47.2 × 31.5 in) or your own equipment.
Why does it ignore rotated or interlocked boxes?
It assumes every carton faces the same way in a simple grid, which is easy to verify and conservative. Interlocking or rotating boxes can often fit more per layer, so treat this as a minimum rather than a maximum.
Is my data uploaded anywhere?
No — this calculator runs entirely in your browser. Your inputs never leave your device, and it works offline once loaded.
Is this calculator free?
Yes, completely free with no sign-up and no limits.
People also ask
How many boxes fit on a pallet?
It depends on box and pallet size. Count how many boxes cover the deck in one layer (pallet length ÷ box length, times pallet width ÷ box width, both rounded down), then multiply by how many layers fit under your height limit.
How do you calculate cartons per layer?
Divide the pallet length by the carton length and the pallet width by the carton width, round each down to a whole number, then multiply the two results together to get cartons in a single layer.
How high can you stack a pallet?
Common shipping limits are around 60–72 inches including the pallet, but the real cap depends on your truck, racking, and the crush strength and weight of the product. Always use the lowest applicable limit.
Related calculators
Sources & references
These tools follow our methodology and provide educational estimates only — verify important figures with a qualified professional.