Standard Pallet Dimensions Reference
Using the correct pallet dimensions matters — even a few centimetres difference affects how many fit per container row. Select your pallet type from the calculator above, or enter custom dimensions if your pallet doesn't match a standard size.
| Pallet Type | L × W | Common Use |
|---|
| Euro pallet (EUR/EPAL) | 1.2 × 0.8 m | Europe |
| Standard / GMA pallet | 1.22 × 1.02 m | North America |
| Asia pallet | 1.1 × 1.1 m | Asia-Pacific |
| Australian pallet | 1.165 × 1.165 m | Australia |
How to Use This Calculator
- Select your container type — 20GP, 40GP, or 40HC.
- Choose your pallet size — Euro, US, AU, or enter a custom footprint.
- Enter stack height — the total loaded height of the pallet including all cartons and the pallet base.
- Add carton dimensions (optional) — to get cartons per pallet and total carton count.
- Read your result — pallets per container, pallets per floor row, and total carton count.
Why Getting Pallet Count Wrong Is Expensive
When a warehouse coordinator books based on an estimate rather than a calculation, the consequences show up at the container freight station: the cargo doesn't fit, the container needs to be swapped, and you're now dealing with emergency rebooking fees, potential vessel rollovers, and an unhappy client. If you're shipping palletised goods regularly, this calculation should be part of your pre-booking checklist — not an afterthought.
The most common error is forgetting the pallet base height (typically 14–15 cm for a Euro pallet) when calculating stack height. If your product cartons stack to 160 cm, your total stack height is 175 cm — not 160 cm. That difference can mean the difference between single and double-stacking in a 40HC.
Single Stack vs Double Stack
If your stack height is under approximately 110–115 cm (half the 20GP/40GP internal height of 2.39 m), double-stacking may be possible subject to cargo fragility and weight. The 40HC's 2.69 m internal height gives more margin — pallets stacked to 130 cm can still be double-stacked. Run the numbers before deciding between a 40GP and a 40HC: the extra CBM from double-stacking often justifies the premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pallets fit in a 20ft container?
A 20GP can hold approximately 10–11 Euro pallets in a single floor layer (1.2 × 0.8 m footprint). With double-stacking, you can fit 20–22 pallets depending on stack height. For US standard pallets (1.22 × 1.02 m), expect 9–10 per floor layer. Use this calculator with your exact dimensions for a precise count.
How many pallets fit in a 40ft container?
A 40GP or 40HC fits approximately 20–21 Euro pallets per floor layer. Double-stacked in a 40HC (2.69 m internal height), you can potentially load 40+ pallets. For US standard pallets, plan for 18–20 per floor layer. The 40HC is frequently chosen specifically because it enables double-stacking for taller pallet loads.
What is a Euro pallet vs a standard pallet?
A Euro pallet (EUR/EPAL) is 1.2 × 0.8 m and is the dominant standard in Europe and Asia. A standard US/GMA pallet is 1.22 × 1.02 m (48 × 40 inches), which is wider than a Euro pallet. The Euro pallet's narrower width means it aligns more efficiently with ISO container interior widths, fitting more pallets per floor row. Always confirm which pallet standard your trade lane uses before planning.
How do I calculate CBM for pallets?
CBM per pallet = length (m) × width (m) × total stack height (m). A Euro pallet loaded to 1.5 m = 1.2 × 0.8 × 1.5 = 1.44 CBM. Multiply by the number of pallets for your total shipment CBM. Remember to include the pallet base height (typically 0.14–0.15 m for a Euro pallet) in your stack height measurement.
Does pallet weight count towards container payload?
Yes. A Euro pallet weighs approximately 25 kg. Twenty pallets add 500 kg of tare weight before a single carton is loaded. Always include pallet tare weights in your total cargo weight calculation when checking against the container's maximum payload limit (28,000 kg for 20GP, 26,500 kg for 40GP).
Can I double-stack pallets in a container?
Yes, if the cargo allows it. The constraint is the container's internal height (2.39 m for 20GP/40GP, 2.69 m for 40HC) and the fragility and weight tolerance of your cargo. If your loaded stack height is under half the internal height, double-stacking is geometrically possible. The 40HC is often selected specifically for this reason — the extra 30 cm of headroom is enough to accommodate taller pallet stacks doubled up.