Pallet calculator
To find how many boxes fit on a pallet, count how many fit in one layer on the deck, then how many layers fit under your height limit, and multiply. This calculator tries the box both ways and in mixed layers, applies your height and weight limits, and returns the box count, load height, gross weight and the pallet’s density and freight class.
Updated October 12, 2026
Class estimate on NMFTA’s standard 13-sub density scale, in effect since July 19, 2025. The NMFC item for your product sets the class, and some items carry fixed classes for handling, stowability or liability. Confirm in NMFTA’s ClassIT+ or with your carrier.
How to calculate boxes per pallet
Boxes per layer: divide the pallet’s length by the box’s length and the pallet’s width by the box’s width, round both down, and multiply. Then try the box turned 90 degrees and keep the larger count.
Layers: subtract the pallet’s deck height from your maximum load height, divide by the box height and round down.
Boxes per pallet: boxes per layer × layers.
Weight check: pallet weight plus boxes × box weight must stay under your maximum gross weight. If it does not, remove boxes until it does.
Why mixed layers fit more
A 16 × 12 inch box on a 48 × 40 inch pallet fits 9 per layer lined up one way (3 × 3) and 8 the other way (4 × 2). Mixing the two fits 10: two rows of three boxes with the 12-inch side across the pallet, then one row of four boxes turned. That covers the whole 48 × 40 deck. The calculator checks these mixed layers for you and draws the one it picks.
Worked example
Pallet 48 × 40 inches, 6 inches tall, 40 pounds. Box 16 × 12 × 10 inches, 25 pounds. Maximum load height 60 inches including the pallet.
Boxes per layer: 10, using the mixed layer above.
Layers: (60 − 6) ÷ 10 = 5.4, so 5.
Boxes per pallet: 10 × 5 = 50.
Load height: 6 + 5 × 10 = 56 inches. Gross weight: 40 + 50 × 25 = 1,290 pounds.
Density: 48 × 40 × 56 = 107,520 cubic inches, or 62.22 cubic feet. 1,290 ÷ 62.22 = 20.73 lb/ft³, which is class 70 on the 2025 scale.
For 500 boxes: 500 ÷ 50 = 10 pallets.
With a 1,000 pound gross weight limit, the same pallet holds 38 boxes: (1,000 − 40) ÷ 25 = 38.4, rounded down. The calculator tells you when weight, not height, is the limit.
Pallet sizes in the calculator
| Pallet | Inches | Millimeters |
|---|---|---|
| 48 × 40 | 48 × 40 | 1219 × 1016 |
| 48 × 48 | 48 × 48 | 1219 × 1219 |
| 42 × 42 | 42 × 42 | 1067 × 1067 |
| 48 × 42 | 48 × 42 | 1219 × 1067 |
| 1200 × 800 | 47.2 × 31.5 | 1200 × 800 |
| 1200 × 1000 | 47.2 × 39.4 | 1200 × 1000 |
Pick Custom size for anything else. Enter your own pallet’s deck height and weight: they vary by pallet, and both change the load height, the gross weight and the class.
Frequently asked questions
How many boxes fit on a pallet?
It depends on the box, the pallet and your height and weight limits. Count the boxes in one layer, count the layers that fit under the height limit, and multiply, then check the weight. The calculator does all four steps and tries mixed layers.
How tall can a pallet be?
That is set by your carrier, the trailer, the warehouse racking or the customer’s receiving rules, so the calculator asks for your limit. Enter it including the pallet’s own height.
How much does a pallet weigh?
Pallets vary with material, size and condition, so weigh one of yours and enter it. The calculator adds it to the boxes for the gross weight and the density.
Can boxes hang over the edge of the pallet?
The calculator keeps every box inside the deck, because overhang makes loads harder to stack and easier to damage. If your shipping rules allow overhang, enter a slightly larger custom pallet size.
How do I find the freight class of a pallet?
Use Class this pallet under the result. It opens the freight class calculator with the pallet’s length, width, load height and gross weight filled in.
Related calculators
Dimensional weight calculator: if the boxes go by parcel instead.
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