# How many container pallets fit?

Computes how many pallets of a given size and weight fit in a 20 ft, 40 ft, 40 ft high cube or 45 ft high cube container, from its inside dimensions and maximum payload.

- Page: https://www.acalculator.org/logistics/container-pallet-calculator
- JSON spec: https://www.acalculator.org/logistics/container-pallet-calculator.json
- Version: 5e416df5f3a4

## Default answer

Example with the default inputs (Pallet length 48 in, Pallet width 40 in, Pallet height 48 in, Pallet weight 1,000 lb, Container 20' standard, Stack pallets Yes): Pallets that fit in the 20' standard container: 8.

## Inputs

| Key | Label | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| length | Pallet length | The length of one loaded pallet. |
| width | Pallet width | The width of one loaded pallet. |
| height | Pallet height | The height of one loaded pallet, load included. |
| weight | Pallet weight | The weight of one loaded pallet. |
| containerType | Container | The container type. |
| stack | Stack pallets | Whether pallets may be stacked on top of each other. |

## Outputs

| Key | Label | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| pallets | Pallets that fit | The smaller of pallets per layer × layers and the pallets the maximum payload allows. |
| perLayer | Pallets per layer | Pallets on the floor, all turned the same way, in the better of the two turns. |
| layers | Layers | Inside height ÷ pallet height, rounded down; 1 when pallets are not stacked. |
| byWeight | Pallets the payload allows | Maximum payload ÷ pallet weight, rounded down. |
| limit | Limited by | Whether space or weight sets the number of pallets. |
| utilization | Space used | Volume of the pallets that fit ÷ inside volume of the container. |
| totalWeight | Total weight | Pallets that fit × pallet weight. |
| payload | Maximum payload | The most cargo weight the container may carry. |
| insideLength | Inside length | The inside length of the container. |
| insideWidth | Inside width | The inside width of the container. |
| alongLength | Pallet side along the length | The pallet side that runs along the container’s length in the chosen turn. |
| alongWidth | Pallet side across the width | The pallet side that runs across the container’s width in the chosen turn. |

## Method

per layer = max(⌊L ÷ l⌋ × ⌊W ÷ w⌋, ⌊L ÷ w⌋ × ⌊W ÷ l⌋); layers = ⌊H ÷ h⌋; pallets = min(per layer × layers, ⌊payload ÷ weight⌋)

## Assumptions

- All pallets on the floor are turned the same way, whichever of the two turns fits more; mixed patterns can sometimes fit one or two more.
- Pallets stand upright and are stacked straight on top of each other when stacking is on.
- Inside dimensions and maximum payloads are nominal values from Hapag-Lloyd’s container specification; your container may differ by a few millimetres.
- Door openings, dunnage, bracing and weight distribution are not taken into account.

## Worked examples

1. length = 1.2192, width = 1.016, height = 1.2192, weight = 453.59237, containerType = 20_standard, stack = yes gives perLayer = 8, layers = 1, pallets = 8, limit = Space, utilization = 36.383257%. Source: Hapag-Lloyd, Container Specification (inside dimensions of general purpose and high cube containers). https://www.hapag-lloyd.com/content/dam/website/downloads/press_and_media/publications/15211_Container_Specification_engl_Gesamt_web.pdf.
2. length = 1.2, width = 0.8, height = 1.1, weight = 800, containerType = 40_high_cube, stack = yes gives perLayer = 20, layers = 2, byWeight = 35, pallets = 35, limit = Weight. Source: Hapag-Lloyd, Container Specification (inside dimensions of general purpose and high cube containers). https://www.hapag-lloyd.com/content/dam/website/downloads/press_and_media/publications/15211_Container_Specification_engl_Gesamt_web.pdf.

## FAQ

### How many pallets fit in a 40-foot container?

A 40-foot standard container (inside about 12,032 × 2,352 mm) fits 18 standard US pallets (48" × 40") per layer when all are turned the same way, and 20 Euro pallets (1,200 × 800 mm). How many layers fit depends on the pallet height: the inside height is about 2,395 mm (94.3 in), so two 48" pallets do not fit on top of each other, but two 44" pallets do. The calculator works this out for your pallets.

### What are the standard container sizes?

The common dry containers are the 20-foot standard (about 33 m³ or 1,170 cubic feet inside), the 40-foot standard (about 68 m³ or 2,390 cubic feet), the 40-foot high cube (about 76 m³ or 2,695 cubic feet), and the 45-foot high cube (about 86 m³ or 3,040 cubic feet). High cube containers are 1 foot taller (9' 6" outside instead of 8' 6").

### How do I calculate pallet capacity for shipping containers?

You need to consider: 1) the container's inside dimensions, 2) the pallet dimensions (length, width, height), 3) the maximum payload, and 4) whether pallets can be stacked. Divide the inside length and width by the pallet sides (trying both turns), round down, multiply, then multiply by the layers that fit in the height. Finally, check that the pallets do not weigh more than the payload allows.

### Why does the calculator try turning the pallets?

A pallet can go in with its long side along the container or across it. The calculator tries both ways, with all pallets turned the same way, and keeps the one that fits more. Mixing the two turns in one container can sometimes fit one or two more pallets, which the calculator does not count.

### How much weight can a shipping container hold?

The maximum payload (cargo weight) of the containers in this calculator is about 27,800 to 30,200 kg (61,300 to 66,600 lb), from Hapag-Lloyd's container specification. Payload is the maximum gross weight minus the empty container's tare weight. Road and rail limits in your country may be lower.

### What are the standard pallet dimensions?

The most common standard pallet size in North America is 48" × 40" (GMA pallet). Other common sizes include 42" × 42", 48" × 48", and 36" × 36". European standard pallets are typically 1200mm × 800mm (47.2" × 31.5").

### How do I optimize container space utilization?

To optimize space: 1) Use uniform pallet sizes, 2) Try both pallet turns, 3) Use the height when loads can be stacked, 4) Use high cube containers for taller loads, 5) Plan for proper weight distribution to avoid exceeding limits.

### What happens if I exceed the container weight limit?

Exceeding weight limits can result in: 1) Shipping delays and additional fees, 2) Safety risks during transport, 3) Potential damage to the container or cargo, 4) Legal compliance issues. Always stay within the specified weight limits for safe and efficient shipping.

### Can I mix different pallet sizes in one container?

Yes, you can mix different pallet sizes, but this requires manual calculation and planning. This calculator is designed for uniform pallet sizes. For mixed loads, calculate each pallet type separately and then determine the arrangement manually.

### How accurate are container pallet calculations?

The calculations use nominal inside dimensions and assume pallets sit tight against each other. Real containers differ by a few millimeters, and bracing, dunnage, and loading equipment can reduce the number that fits. Always verify with your shipping provider.

## Sources

- Hapag-Lloyd, Container Specification (inside dimensions of general purpose and high cube containers). https://www.hapag-lloyd.com/content/dam/website/downloads/press_and_media/publications/15211_Container_Specification_engl_Gesamt_web.pdf