Pallet Calculator

The most common US pallet (GMA pallet) is 48 × 40 inches (1,219 × 1,016 mm). It is the standard for grocery, retail, and general merchandise. Other US sizes include 42×42 (telecom industry), 48×48 (chemicals), and 40×40 (dairy). The GMA pallet fits 2 per standard 8-foot truck width, allowing easy loading of 26 pallets in a 53-foot trailer.

A Euro pallet (EUR or EPAL pallet) is 120 × 80 cm (47.24 × 31.50 inches). It is the European standard used in EU warehousing and logistics. Euro pallets fit 3 across in a standard European trailer (2.4 m wide). The maximum load is typically 1,500 kg for a static load and 1,000 kg dynamic (in motion). They are managed by the European Pallet Pool exchange system.

GMA pallets: typically rated for 2,200–3,000 lbs (1,000–1,360 kg) dynamic load, 4,600 lbs static. Euro pallets: 1,500 kg static, 1,000 kg dynamic. However, carrier and warehouse limits may be more restrictive — many warehouses limit pallets to 1,500 lbs or 680 kg for racking purposes. Always check your 3PL or carrier's pallet weight policy.

Place heaviest items on bottom, lightest on top. Keep weight centered over the pallet. Use interlocking (brick-pattern) stacking for stability. Apply stretch wrap from bottom to top in 50% overlap. Wrap at least 3 times at base and top. Never overhang the pallet edge. Label on all four sides. Mark fragile items. Separate incompatible products. Do not exceed height limits for your warehouse or transport mode.

Review carton dimensions — even 1-2 inch reductions can add an extra layer per pallet. Consider nested or collapsed packaging. Standardize carton sizes across product lines. Use pallet optimization software for complex SKU mixes. Test both orientations (L×W and W×L) for the best fit. Aim for 85%+ pallet utilization to minimize shipping cost per unit.