Euro Pallet Calculator (EUR / EPAL 1)
Calculate how many rectangular cartons fit on a 1200 × 800 mm EUR / EPAL 1 pallet while respecting total stack height, payload, quantity and in-plane rotation.
What dimensions does the Euro pallet example use?
The PackMize EUR / EPAL 1 preset uses a 1200 × 800 mm deck, 144 mm pallet height, approximately 25 kg tare and a 1500 kg planning payload. Those values align with the published EPAL pallet datasheet, but a damaged, repaired or non-EPAL pallet should be checked against its actual specification.
How the calculation works
PackMize tests aligned, rotated and mixed rectangular layer patterns. It then repeats the best valid layer vertically until the first active constraint is reached: total height, payload or available quantity. This is more informative than dividing pallet volume by carton volume because the footprint arrangement determines how many cartons actually fit in each layer.
Worked example: 400 × 300 × 250 mm cartons
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Pallet | 1200 × 800 × 144 mm |
| Maximum total height | 1800 mm |
| Carton | 400 × 300 × 250 mm |
| Carton weight | 8 kg |
| Result | 48 cartons · 8/layer · 6 layers |
| Status | PROVEN OPTIMAL for the modelled constraints |
The 400 × 300 mm footprint tiles the 1200 × 800 mm deck exactly in the selected layer pattern, giving 100% first-layer coverage. The stack remains below the 1800 mm total-height limit.
When the answer changes
Small changes in carton footprint can change the layer pattern abruptly. Weight can also become the active limit before geometry does. For operational planning, enter the real packed carton dimensions and gross carton weight rather than nominal product dimensions.
Assumptions and data sources
PackMize separates published reference data from planning assumptions. Always replace a preset with the specification of the pallet, container, sheet or stock you will actually use when operational accuracy matters.
Frequently asked questions
Does PackMize use the official EPAL dimensions?
The EPAL preset uses the published 1200 × 800 × 144 mm dimensions and a 1500 kg planning load. Verify the actual pallet and local handling rules before operational use.
Does 100% layer coverage mean the pallet is safe?
No. Geometric coverage does not certify carton strength, load stability, stretch wrapping, overhang tolerance or transport safety.
Can I change the maximum height?
Yes. The pre-filled example uses 1800 mm total height, but the calculator accepts the actual maximum for your warehouse, carrier or customer.