Pallet & Container Loading Calculator

Q: "Can I calculate multiple box sizes together?"

"Yes. Add multiple SKU rows and choose either separate pallet mode or mixed-load approximation mode."

Q: "Does it support inches and pounds?"

"Yes. You can switch display units or type unit suffixes such as in, ft, and lb directly in the cells."

Q: "Are the 20ft and 40ft counts exact?"

"No. They are estimates. Actual loading changes with loading pattern, aisle space, dunnage, weight distribution, and warehouse rules."

Q: "What is the mixed-load fill factor?"

"It is the factor used to account for gaps and partial use when multiple SKUs share the same pallet. The default is 0.85, but you should tune it to your warehouse reality."

Q: "Can I use my own pallet-slot or usable-CBM rules?"

"Yes. In settings, you can override the pallet slots, usable CBM, and max payload for 20ft and 40ft containers."

Calculate total CBM, required pallets, estimated 20ft/40ft container count, and load factor from box dimensions and quantity in seconds.

Add rows for mixed cargo and switch between metric / imperial units and major pallet standards.

Estimate mixed cargo by adding multiple SKU rows Show CBM and required pallet count together Compare estimated 20ft / 40ft Dry container count See whether CBM, pallet slots, or weight is the binding constraint

What this tool covers

Review mixed-cargo total CBM and required pallets on one screen by adding multiple SKU rows.

Switch between per-row pallet loading and mixed-load approximation mode.

Compare estimated 20ft / 40ft Dry container count and average load factor.

Work with metric / imperial input, major pallet standards, share URLs, and CSV export.

How to use

Enter length, width, height, and quantity for each cargo row. Add weight per box if you need weight-based limits.
Choose the pallet standard, loaded height, orientation rules, and pallet estimation mode.
Review total CBM, required pallets, estimated 20ft/40ft containers, and load factor.
Copy the result or share it by URL or CSV if needed.

Examples

Compare mixed cargo in a 40ft estimate

Input

SKU A: 400 × 300 × 250 mm × 200 boxes, SKU B: 600 × 400 × 300 mm × 80 boxes, ISO pallet, max loaded height 1500 mm, separate mode

Output

Total CBM 11.76, pallets 10, 20ft 2 containers, 40ft 1 container, 40ft average load factor 50% (pallet-limited)

US pallet with inch input

Input

16 × 12 × 10 in × 500 boxes, US 48 × 40 pallet, mixed mode, fill factor 0.85

Output

Required pallets, estimated 20ft/40ft containers, and the gap between CBM-based and pallet-based limits

Glossary

CBM

Volume measured in cubic meters. It is used as a quick estimate of total cargo volume.

Required pallets

The estimated pallet count based on the selected pallet standard and loaded-height rule.

Load factor

The average utilization rate showing how much of the CBM, pallet-slot, or weight capacity is used.

Mixed-load approximation

A mode that estimates pallet count for mixed SKUs on shared pallets by applying a fill factor.

Formulas

CBM per box = length × width × height ÷ 1,000,000,000
Pallets by row = ceil(quantity ÷ boxes per pallet)
Pallets in mixed mode = ceil(total CBM ÷ (usable pallet volume × fill factor))
Estimated containers = max(CBM-based count, pallet-based count, weight-based count)
Average load factor = max(CBM utilization, pallet utilization, weight utilization)

FAQ

Can I calculate multiple box sizes together?

Yes. Add multiple SKU rows and choose either separate pallet mode or mixed-load approximation mode.

Does it support inches and pounds?

Yes. You can switch display units or type unit suffixes such as in, ft, and lb directly in the cells.

Are the 20ft and 40ft counts exact?

No. They are estimates. Actual loading changes with loading pattern, aisle space, dunnage, weight distribution, and warehouse rules.

What is the mixed-load fill factor?

It is the factor used to account for gaps and partial use when multiple SKUs share the same pallet. The default is 0.85, but you should tune it to your warehouse reality.

Can I use my own pallet-slot or usable-CBM rules?

Yes. In settings, you can override the pallet slots, usable CBM, and max payload for 20ft and 40ft containers.

Notice

This tool is an estimate. It does not perform 3D load optimization or evaluate lashing, aisle space, or handling workflow.
Auto slot count uses a conservative grid approximation. If your operation fits more pallets, use manual slot counts.
If any row is missing weight, weight-based container count and load factor will not be exact.
Use on-site and carrier conditions as the final source for loading decisions.