How many Euro pallets fit in a container?
With 120 × 80 cm Euro pallets, a loaded height of 140 cm, 500 kg per pallet and no spacing, this calculator produces a single-layer layout of 11 pallets in a 20ft container and 25 in a 40ft or 40ft High Cube. Different dimensions, gaps, weights or stacking limits change the result.
How does the algorithm work?
The tool computes positions instead of dividing container volume by cargo volume. For identical footprints it compares straight and rotated strip arrangements. For mixed cargo it tries several sorting orders and places columns of identical items in available floor rectangles. Different cargo types do not stack on each other. The suggested layout is a heuristic, not a guaranteed global optimum.
Rotation, stacking and door checks
Height stays upright. Rotation allows a 90° turn on the floor only. If stacking is disabled, one layer is used. If enabled, your maximum layers and the internal height both apply. Each unit must fit through the door in its selected orientation; assembly of stacks inside the container is assumed. Enter preassembled stacks as one unit. Gaps are horizontal spacing between loads, not wall clearance.
Operational limits
Payload limits apply, but load strength, securing, centre of gravity, axle loads and forklift manoeuvres need separate checks. Equipment dimensions are fleet examples and can vary by manufacturer. Up to 8 cargo types and 2,000 units are supported.
Equipment sources
Hapag-Lloyd 20ft · 40ft · 40ft High Cube · EPAL Euro pallet. Checked 3 October 2026.