Pallet Calculator
Calculate the number of pallets that can fit in a container or truck based on pallet dimensions and loading pattern.
Enter Pallet and Container Details
Table of Contents
Standard Pallet Dimensions
Common standard pallet dimensions include:
North American Standard
- 48" × 40" (1219mm × 1016mm) - Most common in North America
- 42" × 42" (1067mm × 1067mm) - Used in telecommunications
- 48" × 48" (1219mm × 1219mm) - Used in chemical and paint industries
European Standard
- 1200mm × 800mm (47.24" × 31.50") - Most common in Europe
- 1200mm × 1000mm (47.24" × 39.37") - Used in retail
- 1200mm × 1200mm (47.24" × 47.24") - Used in chemical industry
Loading Patterns
There are two main loading patterns for pallets:
Standard Pattern
Pallets are loaded in the same orientation throughout the container. This pattern is simpler but may not maximize space utilization.
Best for: Uniform pallet sizes and when ease of loading is a priority
Alternating Pattern
Pallets are rotated 90 degrees in alternating rows. This pattern can increase the number of pallets that fit in the container.
Best for: Maximizing space utilization and when pallet dimensions allow for efficient rotation
Container Types
Common container dimensions for shipping:
Standard Containers
- 20' Standard: 20' × 8' × 8'6" (240" × 96" × 102")
- 40' Standard: 40' × 8' × 8'6" (480" × 96" × 102")
- 40' High Cube: 40' × 8' × 9'6" (480" × 96" × 114")
Truck Trailers
- 53' Standard: 53' × 8'6" × 8'6" (636" × 102" × 102")
- 48' Standard: 48' × 8'6" × 8'6" (576" × 102" × 102")
Practical Examples
Example 1 Standard 48" × 40" Pallets in 20' Container
Loading standard North American pallets (48" × 40") in a 20' container (240" × 96" × 102").
Standard Pattern: 10 pallets (2 wide × 5 deep)
Alternating Pattern: 11 pallets (2 wide × 5 deep + 1 rotated)
Example 2 European Pallets in 40' Container
Loading European pallets (1200mm × 800mm) in a 40' container (480" × 96" × 102").
Standard Pattern: 24 pallets (3 wide × 8 deep)
Alternating Pattern: 25 pallets (3 wide × 8 deep + 1 rotated)
Example 3 Square Pallets in 53' Trailer
Loading 48" × 48" square pallets in a 53' trailer (636" × 102" × 102").
Standard Pattern: 26 pallets (2 wide × 13 deep)
Alternating Pattern: 26 pallets (no improvement due to square dimensions)