DimPack3D is a free online 3D packaging calculator designed for e-commerce sellers, Amazon FBA sellers, and freight forwarders. It helps you calculate optimal product-to-carton packing, container loading, CBM (cubic meters), and Amazon FBA size tiers with interactive 3D visualization.

How do I calculate CBM (Cubic Meters)?

To calculate CBM, enter your carton dimensions (length, width, height) in centimeters. DimPack3D automatically converts to cubic meters using the formula: CBM = (Length × Width × Height) / 1,000,000. The calculator also shows total CBM for multiple cartons in your shipment.

What are Amazon FBA size tiers?

Amazon FBA size tiers determine fulfillment fees based on product dimensions and weight. Tiers include Small Standard, Large Standard, Large Bulky, and Extra-Large. DimPack3D uses the 2025 Amazon FBA standards to classify your products and estimate fees.

How many boxes can fit in a 40-foot container?

The number of boxes depends on your carton dimensions. A 40GP container has internal dimensions of approximately 1203 × 235 × 239 cm (67.5 CBM). DimPack3D's container loading calculator optimizes placement and shows exactly how many cartons fit with 3D visualization.

Is DimPack3D free to use?

Yes, DimPack3D is completely free with no registration required. All features including 3D visualization, packing calculator, container loading, and FBA size tier calculations are available at no cost. Your data is saved locally in your browser.

What is dimensional weight and how is it calculated?

Dimensional weight (DIM weight) is a pricing technique for freight that considers package size. It's calculated by multiplying Length × Width × Height and dividing by a DIM factor (typically 5000 for air freight, 6000 for sea freight). Carriers charge the greater of actual weight or dimensional weight.

What is the standard pallet size in the US?

The standard GMA pallet size in the US is 48" × 40" (1219mm × 1016mm). This is used by about 30% of all pallets produced in North America. Other common sizes include 42" × 42" (grocery), 48" × 48" (drums), and 40" × 40" (dairy).

How do I calculate cartons per pallet?

Calculate cartons per pallet using: Floor positions = (Pallet Length ÷ Carton Length) × (Pallet Width ÷ Carton Width), rounded down. Then multiply by the number of layers: Layers = Max Stack Height ÷ Carton Height. Total cartons = Floor positions × Layers.

What is the maximum pallet height for shipping?

Standard maximum pallet height is 48" (including the pallet). For LTL shipping, most carriers accept up to 48-60" total height. For FTL (full truckload), the limit is typically 96-102" to fit in a standard dry van trailer.

How much weight can a standard pallet hold?

A standard GMA wood pallet can hold 2,500-3,000 lbs when properly stacked. However, LTL carriers often have per-pallet weight limits of 2,000-2,500 lbs. For floor-loaded positions, the limit may be 1,500 lbs. Always check your carrier's specific requirements.

Pallet Calculator Guide: Optimize Pallet Loading & Shipping

Standard Pallet Sizes

Choosing the right pallet size is crucial for maximizing shipping efficiency. Different industries and regions use different standards. Here are the most common pallet sizes:

North American Pallet Sizes

Size (inches)	Size (mm)	Common Use	% of Market
48" × 40"	1219 × 1016	GMA Standard (Most Common)	30%
42" × 42"	1067 × 1067	Grocery, Warehouse Clubs	~5%
48" × 48"	1219 × 1219	Drums, Barrels	~5%
40" × 40"	1016 × 1016	Dairy Industry	~3%
48" × 42"	1219 × 1067	Chemical, Paint	~3%

International Pallet Sizes (ISO)

Size (mm)	Size (inches)	Region
1200 × 800	47.2" × 31.5"	Europe (EUR Pallet)
1200 × 1000	47.2" × 39.4"	Europe, Asia
1100 × 1100	43.3" × 43.3"	Asia, Australia

Pro Tip: Amazon FBA Pallets

Amazon FBA accepts 40" × 48" or 48" × 40" standard GMA pallets. Maximum pallet height including the pallet is 72 inches for most fulfillment centers. Non-standard pallets may be rejected or incur additional fees.

Cartons Per Pallet Calculation

Pallet Loading Formula

Floor Positions = ⌊Pallet L ÷ Carton L⌋ × ⌊Pallet W ÷ Carton W⌋

Layers = ⌊Max Height ÷ Carton H⌋

Total Cartons = Floor Positions × Layers

⌊ ⌋ means round down to nearest whole number

Step-by-Step Example

Scenario: Loading cartons onto a 48" × 40" pallet

Given:

• Pallet: 48" × 40"
• Carton: 18" × 12" × 10"
• Max stack height: 48"

Calculation:

Length: 48 ÷ 18 = 2.67 → 2

Width: 40 ÷ 12 = 3.33 → 3

Floor positions: 2 × 3 = 6 cartons

Layers: 48 ÷ 10 = 4.8 → 4 layers

Total: 6 × 4 = 24 cartons

Don't Forget: Try Both Orientations!

Always calculate with your carton in both orientations (length vs width swapped). Sometimes rotating 90° yields more cartons per pallet.

Pallet Loading Patterns

The way you arrange cartons on a pallet affects both capacity and stability. Here are the most common loading patterns:

Column Stacking

┌─┬─┬─┐
│A│A│A│
├─┼─┼─┤
│A│A│A│
└─┴─┴─┘

All cartons in same orientation, stacked directly on top of each other.

Max capacityLess stable

Interlocking (Brick)

Layer 1: ┌─┬─┬─┐
Layer 2: ┌─┼─┼─┐
│ └─┴─┘ │

Alternating layers rotated 90° to create interlock.

Most stableMay reduce capacity

Pinwheel Pattern

┌──┬─┐
│ ─┤ │
├─ ├──┤
└─┴──┘

Cartons arranged in rotating pattern around center.

Good stabilityGood capacity

Split Row

┌──┬──┬──┐
│ A│ B│ A│
├──┼──┼──┤
│ B│ A│ B│
└──┴──┴──┘

Mix of two orientations within the same layer.

Fills gapsMaximizes space

Weight Limits & Restrictions

Understanding weight limits prevents damage, rejected shipments, and safety issues. Here are the key limits to know:

Limit Type	Standard Value	Notes
Wood Pallet Capacity	2,500-3,000 lb	For standard GMA pallet
LTL Per-Pallet Limit	2,000-2,500 lb	Varies by carrier
LTL Total Shipment	10,000-20,000 lb	Above this, consider FTL
FTL Dry Van Limit	44,000-45,000 lb	Legal road weight limit
Amazon FBA Per-Pallet	1,500 lb	Strict limit enforced

Weight Distribution Matters

Heavy items should be on the bottom layers, lighter items on top. Uneven weight distribution can cause pallet collapse during transport. Never exceed 50% of weight on the top half of the pallet.

LTL vs FTL Shipping

Understanding when to use LTL (Less Than Truckload) vs FTL (Full Truckload) can save significant shipping costs:

LTL (Less Than Truckload)

1-10 pallets typically
Shared truck space with other shippers
Priced by freight class + weight
3-7 day transit typical

Best for: Smaller shipments, flexible delivery timing

FTL (Full Truckload)

22-26 pallets (53' trailer)
Dedicated truck, direct route
Flat rate per load
1-3 day transit typical

Best for: Large shipments, time-sensitive, fragile goods

Cost Comparison Rule of Thumb

FTL typically becomes more cost-effective than LTL at around 10-12 pallets or 10,000+ lbs. Always get quotes for both to compare.

Standard Trailer Capacities

Trailer Type	Dimensions	Pallet Capacity
53' Dry Van	53' × 8.5' × 9'	22-26 pallets
48' Dry Van	48' × 8.5' × 9'	20-24 pallets
40' Container	40' × 7.8' × 7.8'	18-20 pallets
20' Container	20' × 7.8' × 7.8'	8-10 pallets

Pallet Optimization Tips

1. Design Cartons for Pallet Fit

Design your carton dimensions to maximize pallet coverage. Ideal carton dimensions divide evenly into pallet dimensions.

Example: For 48" × 40" pallet, cartons of 12" × 10" fit perfectly (4 × 4 = 16 per layer with 100% coverage)

2. Stack to Maximum Height

Utilize the full 48" or 60" height allowance when possible. More layers = more cartons = lower per-unit shipping cost.

3. Use Slip Sheets

Place cardboard slip sheets between layers for stability. This prevents carton crushing and allows for better interlocking.

4. Proper Stretch Wrapping

Wrap pallets with at least 3 layers of stretch film, including the pallet base. Corner boards protect edges and add stability.

5. Avoid Overhang

Cartons should not extend beyond pallet edges. Overhang leads to damage, rejection, and stacking problems in warehouses.

Optimize Your Shipping

Use our calculators to optimize your packaging and loading strategy for maximum cost savings.

Container Calculator Packing Calculator

DimPack3D