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How many pallets fit in a container?
Pick a pallet size and container to see the best floor layout, how many layers fit, whether weight or space is the limit, and how many containers you need.
Getting the most out of a container
Mix orientations. Turning some pallets 90° often fits one or two more on the floor. The calculator tries every simple combination of lengthwise and crosswise rows and shows the best one.
Check height and doors. Internal height is about 2.39 m in a standard box and 2.69 m in a high cube, but the door opening is lower, at roughly 2.28 m and 2.58 m. Tall pallets that fit inside may not fit through the doors.
Weight before space. Heavy cargo reaches the maximum payload before the floor is full. Spread the weight evenly and keep the centre of gravity low and central.
Declare the right weight. The container's verified gross mass must be declared before loading; see our VGM guide. With only a few pallets, compare FCL and LCL.
Results are for exact dimensions with no overhang and assume standard internal sizes; actual containers vary slightly by carrier and age, so leave a little margin.
Plan my container loadFrequently asked questions
How many pallets fit in a 20ft container?
On the floor, typically 11 Euro pallets (1200 × 800 mm) or 9 to 10 standard pallets (1200 × 1000 mm), depending on exact dimensions and loading pattern. Double-stacking can double this if the height, the cargo and the weight limit allow.
How many pallets fit in a 40ft container?
On the floor, typically 24 to 25 Euro pallets or 20 to 22 standard pallets; the highest counts use a mixed pattern that leaves only a few centimetres to spare. A 40ft high cube has the same floor area but about 30 cm more height, which can allow double-stacking of taller pallets.
Is weight or space the limit when loading pallets?
Dense cargo usually reaches the container's maximum payload before the floor is full, while light cargo runs out of space first. Check both, and remember that road weight limits at origin and destination can be lower than the container's rating.
Reference: IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code).
Guides on this topic
Packing a Container Safely: The CTU Code, Securing and Container Rain
How to plan, pack and secure a container under the IMO/ILO/UNECE CTU Code, limit condensation damage and meet ISPM 15 rules for wooden packaging.
COMPLIANCEVerified Gross Mass (VGM): A Practical Guide to the SOLAS Rule
Why every packed container needs a verified weight before loading, how Methods 1 and 2 work, who is responsible, and the mistakes that lead to rolled cargo.
OCEAN FREIGHTFCL vs LCL: How to Choose the Right Ocean Freight Option
Revenue tonnes, CFS charges, cube utilisation and dwell time: a practical framework for deciding between full and shared container loads.
Know businesses that import or export?
Refer them to Apex Ocean Lines. We quote, book and manage the freight, and you earn commission on the shipments they move with us. Open to referral partners, sales agents and overseas forwarders.
Indicative planning tool only. Container dimensions and payloads vary by carrier and equipment; confirm with your carrier and follow the CTU Code for packing and securing. Legal disclaimer With your permission we keep anonymous, cookieless usage statistics for our tools: Privacy.