Pallet calculator, boxes per pallet
A pallet calculator shows how many boxes fit on a pallet from the carton size, the pallet base and the height limit, and a 400 x 300 x 250 mm carton gives 60 on a UK standard pallet stacked to 1,800 mm.
The calculator tries straight and mixed layer patterns, keeps every carton inside the pallet edge and checks the goods weight against the load limit.
- UK standard base 1200 x 1000 mm
- EPAL Euro pallet carries 1,500 kg
- Cartons stay inside the pallet edge
Pallet calculator for boxes per pallet
The pallet calculator takes a carton's length, width, height and weight, a pallet and a height limit, and returns the cartons per layer, the layers, the cartons and goods weight per pallet and, with a quantity, the pallets needed.
Your result
Enter the carton size and pick a pallet, then press Calculate. The result shows cartons per layer with a top view, layers, cartons and weight per pallet, and how many pallets the shipment needs.
How many boxes fit on a pallet?
A UK standard pallet, 1200 x 1000 mm, holds 60 cartons of 400 x 300 x 250 mm when the load is stacked to 1,800 mm, in 6 layers of 10.
The count comes from the layer and the height, and this example shows each step. Carton weight is taken as 8 kg.
- Layer
- Straight, 3 cartons along the 1,200 mm side and 3 along the 1,000 mm side give 9, and turned 90 degrees they give 8. A mixed layer fits 10, so the calculator uses it.
- Layers
- The height limit of 1,800 mm less the 150 mm pallet leaves 1,650 mm, and 1,650 divided by 250 gives 6 whole layers.
- Cartons per pallet
- 10 cartons a layer times 6 layers gives 60 cartons, with a load height of 1,650 mm above the pallet and 1,800 mm in all.
- Weight
- 60 cartons at 8 kg weigh 480 kg, under the 1,000 kg that a Grade A UK standard pallet carries as typical industry guidance.
- Euro pallet
- The same carton gives 8 per layer on a 1200 x 800 mm Euro pallet, so 48 cartons over 6 layers.
How is a pallet layer worked out?
A pallet layer is worked out by fitting the most cartons inside the pallet's length and width, in a straight pattern, a turned pattern or a mixed pattern of two blocks.
- Straight pattern
- Every carton faces the same way, so the rows run in one direction.
- Mixed pattern
- One block of cartons is turned 90 degrees to the other, which can recover base area that a straight pattern leaves empty.
- Carton on its side
- Ticking the side option lets the calculator also try the carton lying on a different face, and it keeps the best result.
- No overhang
- Cartons stay flush with the pallet edge, so no layer overhangs the base.
How high can you stack a pallet?
The height you can stack a pallet to is set by your racking, trailer or carrier, and not by the pallet itself.
The calculator starts from 1,800 mm including the pallet, and you replace that with your own limit. Each layer adds the carton height, and the pallet's own height, 138 to 162 mm on UK standard builds and 144 mm on an EPAL Euro pallet, counts towards the total. Ask the carrier or the racking installer for the figure before you load.
How much weight can a pallet carry?
An EPAL Euro pallet carries 1,500 kg safe working load, and a UK standard pallet carries about 1 tonne at Grade A, according to EPAL and typical industry guidance.
- EPAL Euro pallet
- 1,500 kg safe working load.
- UK standard, Grade A
- About 1 tonne.
- UK standard, Grade B
- About 750 kg.
- UK standard, Grade C
- About 200 to 500 kg.
- Half pallet
- 750 kg on the EPAL half pallet.
When the cartons weigh more than the load limit allows, the calculator cuts the count to fit the limit. Static, dynamic and racking ratings differ, and the pallet load capacity guide explains each.
Which pallet size fits your cartons?
The pallet size that fits your cartons is the one that leaves the least unused base area, and the result shows the base area used for each size.
Most cartons suit UK standard pallets at 1200 x 1000 mm, and goods packed for European supply chains suit Euro pallets at 1200 x 800 mm. Lighter or smaller loads suit half pallets at 800 x 600 mm or quarter pallets at 600 x 400 mm, and chemical packs suit CP pallets. A carton larger than every base needs a bespoke size.
Pallet calculator FAQs
How many boxes fit on a pallet?
It depends on the carton and the pallet. A 400 x 300 x 250 mm carton gives 60 on a UK standard pallet stacked to 1,800 mm, and 48 on a Euro pallet.
Is a pallet estimator the same as a pallet calculator?
Yes. A pallet estimator, a pallet configuration calculator and a pallet stacking calculator all work out how cartons sit on a pallet, and this tool gives the layer, layers and weight.
Does the pallet calculator include the weight of the pallet?
No. The calculator reports the goods weight only, so add the pallet's own weight, about 15 to 28 kg for a UK standard wooden pallet and about 25 kg for an EPAL Euro pallet.
Can cartons overhang the pallet edge?
No. The calculator keeps every carton inside the pallet edge, so a carton larger than the base returns a result that says it would overhang.
How many pallets do I need for 1,000 cartons?
Enter 1,000 as the quantity and the calculator divides it by the cartons per pallet. At 60 a pallet that is 17 pallets, with the last carrying 40 cartons.
