Pallet Calculator
Space sets the limit. A mixed or pinwheel pattern may fit a few more boxes per layer.
How the pallet calculation works
Fit boxes on the deck both ways
A 16 × 12 in box on a 48 × 40 in pallet fits 3 × 3 = 9 one way and 4 × 2 = 8 turned. The calculator uses the better one: 9.
Divide the height limit by the box height
A 60 in limit with 10 in boxes gives 6 layers. Round down, because a part layer won't fit.
Multiply layers by boxes per layer
9 per layer × 6 layers = 54 boxes. Warehouses call this TI × HI.
Check the weight
54 boxes × 20 lb + a 45 lb pallet = 1,125 lb, under a 2,500 lb limit. Heavy boxes may hit the weight limit before the pallet is full.
Worked example. 16 × 12 × 10 in boxes weighing 20 lb on a 48 × 40 in pallet with a 60 in height limit: 9 boxes per layer, 6 layers, 54 boxes in all, and 1,125 lb gross with a 45 lb pallet.
Pallet FAQ
How do I calculate how many boxes fit on a pallet?
Work out how many boxes fit on one layer, then how many layers fit under the height limit, and multiply. 9 per layer × 6 layers = 54 boxes.
What does TI HI mean on a pallet?
TI is the number of cases per layer and HI is the number of layers. A 9 × 6 TI-HI means 54 cases per pallet.
What size is a standard pallet?
The standard US pallet is 48 × 40 in (1219 × 1016 mm), often called the GMA pallet. CHEP's 48 × 40 block pallet is 5.6 in tall. The Euro pallet is 1200 × 800 mm, about 47.2 × 31.5 in.
How much weight can a pallet hold?
It depends on the pallet's design. CHEP rates its 48 × 40 wood block pallet at 2,800 lb with the load spread evenly, and its loaded pallets can be block stacked up to 5 high, not over 10,000 lb. Use the lowest of the pallet rating, your carrier's limit and your racking limit.
How many pallets fit in a 53 ft trailer?
Two 48 × 40 in pallets fit side by side: Utility Trailer lists 100 to 101 in of inside width for its 53 ft dry van. Turned with the 48 in side across the trailer, each row takes 40 in, so 15 rows (600 in, 50 ft) give 30 pallets on the floor. Loaded straight, with the 40 in side across, 13 rows take 624 in (52 ft) for 26 pallets. Check your trailer's inside length and width first.
Can I use this calculator for a trailer or container?
Yes. Enter the trailer floor as the pallet size and your pallet as the box. A 600 × 100 in floor with 48 × 40 in pallets gives 30 per layer, the turned layout above.
How tall can a pallet be for LTL shipping?
Limits vary by carrier and trailer, so ask your carrier. Taller loads also become less dense, which can raise the freight class.
How heavy can a full truckload be?
Federal law caps gross vehicle weight at 80,000 lb on the Interstate system, and that includes the tractor and trailer. Your legal payload is 80,000 lb minus their weight, and federal axle limits also apply: 20,000 lb on a single axle and 34,000 lb on a tandem.
Sources: CHEP: standard pallet sizes · CHEP: pooled wood block pallet, 48 × 40 in (specifications) · Utility Trailer: dry van specifications · FHWA: federal size and weight overview