Cartons per Pallet Calculator: Layers, Orientation and Container Count
Enter the carton size and pallet type; the calculator returns cartons per layer, layers, cartons per pallet and how many pallets a container takes.
Designed by Joe Joo · 8PCK, Shantou
A 60 × 40 cm carton fits differently depending on which side follows the pallet length; one or two extra cartons per layer compounds over twenty pallets.
Want a Person to Check It?
Send the numbers and we reply with a written quotation, lead time and a sample plan — usually within a few hours, Mon–Sat.
The Formula, the Assumptions, and Where It Stops
- Try both orientations: floor(pallet L ÷ side) × floor(pallet W ÷ side).
- Keep the orientation with the higher count per layer.
- Layers = floor((max height − 15 cm pallet) ÷ carton height).
Assumptions. Standard pallet 1200 × 1000 mm (or Euro 1200 × 800), with 15 cm allowed for the pallet.
Standards we work to. ISO 9001:2015 (quality system, cert PCC85724Q01277R1S) · EU 10/2011 (plastic food-contact, migration report E2032) · RoHS (PE B-R01612E2033, PET B-R201133464) · ISO 4180 (packaging for transport). The calculator is a planning tool: the approved drawing and the migration report decide the final specification.
Where it does not apply. It assumes no overhang. Overhang is where cartons crush, so the real pattern may need one carton fewer.
Send the Numbers, Get a Person
Reply with the result above and we come back with a written quotation, packing data and a sample plan — within one business day.
Worked examples
Two orientations are tried and the better one wins; 15 cm is reserved for the pallet itself.
| Input | Per layer | Layers | Cartons per pallet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50×35×30 cm on 1200×1000 mm, max 180 cm | 6 | 5 | 30 |
| 40×30×25 cm on 1200×1000 mm, max 200 cm | 9 | 7 | 63 |
| 60×40×40 cm on 1200×800 mm, max 160 cm | 4 | 3 | 12 |
Two Orientations, One Winner
A 60 × 40 cm carton fits differently depending on which side follows the pallet length. The calculator tries both and takes the better one — usually a difference of one or two cartons per layer, which compounds over 20 pallets.
The Height Budget
A 40HQ door is 258 cm high; keeping the load under 180 cm including the pallet leaves room for double-stacking and avoids the last-hour rework at the loading bay.
Questions About This Tool
How many cartons per pallet?
Typically 40–60 for a 60 × 40 cm carton at 180 cm load height.
Can I double-stack pallets?
Yes in a 40HQ if the combined height stays under about 260 cm and the cartons can take the load.
Does overhang matter?
Yes — any overhang is where cartons crush and pallets tip.
Didn't Solve It?
Tell us what you are trying to pack and we will tell you what fits, what it costs and how long it takes. No forms if you would rather just message.