Formula
Each side is divided and rounded down. The carton is not turned:
cartons = floor(48 / length) × floor(40 / width) × floor(stack / height)
Stack height starts at the top of the pallet. A carton longer than 48 inches in the length you entered fits zero across.
Assumptions
- The pallet is the US 48 by 40 inch size.
- Cartons stay in the orientation you enter.
- No overhang is allowed.
Worked example
Cartons of 12 by 10 by 8 inches, stacked 48 inches, fit 96 on the pallet.
Input definitions
- Layer
- One level of cartons on the 48 by 40 deck.
- Stack height
- How high the cartons may go above the pallet.
Limitations
Weight, a different pallet, and turning a carton to fit better are not tried. Crush strength may limit the layers before the height does.
Questions
Why not rotate the carton?
The page uses the length against 48 inches and the width against 40. Swap the two entries if you want to test the other orientation.
Why 96 cartons?
Four fit along 48 inches and four fit along 40. Six layers of 8 inch cartons fit in 48 inches of stack. Four times four times six is 96.