What is the Pallet Capacity Calculator?
The number of pallets in a container depends on pallet size and whether they can be double stacked. The pallet capacity calculator works out the floor positions for your pallet in a 20ft, 40ft or 40ft HC container, the total with stacking and the total weight against the payload.
Fill each pallet first with the Pallet Loading Calculator; for loose cartons use the Container Loading Calculator. All calculators accept centimetres, inches or millimetres and kilograms or pounds, so you can use the units on your supplier's spec sheet.
How to use the Pallet Capacity Calculator
- Choose the pallet size and its loaded height and weight.
- Choose the container.
- Choose single or double stacking.
- Read the number of pallets and total weight.
Example
A 20ft container holds about 10 standard pallets (120 × 100) or 11 euro pallets (120 × 80) on the floor. A 40ft holds about 20–21 standard or 23–24 euro pallets.
Typical pallet counts
| Container | Standard 120×100 | Euro 120×80 |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft | 10 | 11 |
| 40ft | 20–21 | 23–24 |
| 40ft HC | 20–21 (taller loads) | 23–24 |
Related packaging and shipping tools
Packaging decisions are connected: the box size sets the volumetric weight, which sets the courier bill, and the carton size decides how many fit on a pallet or in a container. These related calculators help with the next step:
- Container loading calculator: cartons per 20ft or 40ft container.
- Pallet loading calculator: cartons per pallet.
- Container volume calculator: container sizes and CBM.
- CBM calculator: cubic metres for a shipment.
- Carton size calculator: master carton for inner boxes.
Frequently asked questions
How many pallets fit in a 20ft container?
About 10 standard or 11 euro pallets on the floor.
How many pallets fit in a 40ft container?
About 20–21 standard or 23–24 euro pallets.
Can pallets be double stacked?
Only if the load is strong enough and the height allows.
Does it check weight?
Yes, against the container's maximum payload.
Why fewer pallets than CBM suggests?
Pallets leave gaps and cannot use the full height.
Is the Pallet Capacity Calculator free to use?
Yes. The Pallet Capacity Calculator on Custom Converter is completely free, with no sign-up, no daily limit and no watermark.
Does the Pallet Capacity Calculator work on mobile phones?
Yes. It is built mobile-first and works on Android phones, iPhones, tablets and computers in any modern browser, with no app to install.