Pallet Volume Calculator

Multiply the pallet's length × width × height (in inches) to get cubic inches, then divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet. For example, a standard 48×40×60 in. loaded pallet is 48 × 40 × 60 ÷ 1,728 = 66.67 cubic feet.

The most common US pallet is the GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) standard, 48×40 inches. Other common sizes include 42×42 inches and 48×48 inches, depending on industry.

This calculator estimates boxes per layer (pallet length ÷ box length, rounded down, × pallet width ÷ box width, rounded down) times the number of layers that fit within your stacking height. This is a simplified estimate assuming boxes are squarely aligned with the pallet edges — real-world loads may fit slightly more with rotated or interlocked box orientations.

CBM (cubic meters) is the metric equivalent of cubic feet, commonly used in international freight pricing. 1 cubic foot = 0.0283168 cubic meters. Ocean and air freight quotes are usually priced in CBM or by chargeable weight — see our CBM Calculator for freight-specific chargeable weight math.

Pallet utilization is the percentage of the pallet's total volume actually filled by your boxes (total box volume ÷ pallet volume × 100). A low utilization percentage means there's wasted space — often a sign that a different box orientation or pallet size would pack more efficiently.

Yes — rotating boxes 90° within a layer can sometimes fit more per layer than the "as-is" orientation, depending on how the box dimensions divide into the pallet's length and width. This calculator checks both orientations and uses whichever fits more boxes per layer.