Freight & Logistics

Pallets per Container Calculator

Check cargo that is already palletized against an editable container specification. Compare rotated and mixed two-block floor layouts, apply confirmed stacking and payload limits, then estimate containers needed for a shipment.

Change any input to update the calculation. Unit changes preserve the physical quantity.

CALCULATION SETUP

Inputs

Cargo only, excluding container tare; enter the actual equipment/carrier limit.

Subtract twice this value from length/width and once from roof height.

Includes pallet base. Use the actual outside cargo envelope, including any permitted protrusion.

Cargo, packaging and pallet tare together.

Enter 0 to calculate capacity without shipment assignment.

Calculated locally in your browser. No sign-up or input upload.

YOUR CALCULATION

Results

Pallets per container after limits

11

Pallet floor positions

11

Permitted geometric tiers

1

Capacity before payload limit

11

Payload-limited pallet count

46

Cargo gross weight at capacity

6,600 kg14,550.509 lb

Height of occupied tiers

1.2 m3.937 ft

Usable floor utilization

77.012 %
Horizontal two-block split · 11 pallets/layer · 5.88 × 2.332 m floor. No overhang; top view of a full layer.

Calculation breakdown

Capacity limits
Geometry 11 pallets; payload 46 pallets; smaller limit governs.

Assumptions & checks

This is a geometric planning estimate. It does not validate compression strength, stacking capacity, restraints, load stability, axle loads or structural ratings.

Door checks assume loaded pallets enter individually and stacking occurs inside. Forklift access, door clearances during handling and a practical loading sequence are not modeled.

Preset dimensions are carrier examples; verify the allocated equipment and legal payload. Stacking is disabled by default.

Formula

The reusable 2D engine checks pure grids, rotated grids and two-block splits. Floor positions are multiplied by allowed stack tiers, then constrained by cargo payload. This is the best tested layout, not proof of a global optimum.

Ngeometry = Nfloor × min(confirmed tiers, floor(usable height / loaded pallet height)); Npayload = floor(container payload / gross pallet weight); capacity = min(Ngeometry, Npayload)

Worked example

Using the default values shown in the calculator, the same formula gives the following result. This is a quick sanity check for the calculation, not a design recommendation.

Inputs

Container inside length
5.9 m
Container inside width
2.352 m
Container inside height
2.395 m
Door aperture width
2.34 m
Door aperture height
2.292 m
Permitted cargo payload
28130 kg
Clearance at each wall and roof
0.01 m
Loaded pallet footprint length
1.2 m
Loaded pallet footprint width
0.8 m
Total loaded pallet height
1.2 m
Gross weight per loaded pallet
600 kg
Allow 90° floor rotation
Yes
Confirmed pallet stacking
One tier only
Maximum confirmed stack tiers
2
Total shipment pallets (optional)
0

Result

Pallets per container after limits
11
Pallet floor positions
11
Permitted geometric tiers
1
Capacity before payload limit
11
Payload-limited pallet count
46
Cargo gross weight at capacity
6,600 kg
Height of occupied tiers
1.2 m
Usable floor utilization
77.012 %

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Frequently asked questions

How is this different from Container Loading?

This tool packs identical loaded pallet envelopes on the floor and applies tier limits. Container Loading plans individual cartons and mixed SKUs with a separate 3D heuristic.

Does gross pallet weight include pallet tare?

Yes. The container cargo payload must carry the complete loaded unit, including pallet, packaging and cargo.

Does a floor plan prove the cargo can be safely loaded?

No. Access, handling clearance, restraints, stack strength and weight distribution need a separate loading assessment.

Reference data & method sources