Pallet Space Calculator in Square Feet
Calculate warehouse space requirements accurately and optimize your storage
Plan Your Warehouse Space Efficiently
Use our comprehensive pallet space calculator to determine precisely how much square footage your pallets will require. Whether you’re planning a new warehouse layout, optimizing existing space, or calculating storage requirements for logistics planning, this tool will help you make data-driven decisions.
Did you know? The standard North American pallet size (GMA pallet) is 48″ x 40″ (1219mm x 1016mm), accounting for approximately 13.33 square feet of floor space per pallet.
Pallet Space Calculator
Basic Pallet Space Calculation
Results
13.33 sq ft
Advanced Warehouse Planning
Calculate the total warehouse space needed based on your pallet configuration, aisle width, and other requirements.
Warehouse Space Results
Layout Visualization
Standard Pallet Size Reference
| Pallet Type | Length | Width | Square Feet | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard GMA (North American) | 48″ (1219mm) | 40″ (1016mm) | 13.33 sq ft | Most common in USA, used for grocery and retail |
| Euro Pallet (EUR/EPAL) | 47.2″ (1200mm) | 31.5″ (800mm) | 10.36 sq ft | Standard throughout Europe |
| ISO Pallet 1 | 47.2″ (1200mm) | 39.4″ (1000mm) | 12.94 sq ft | Chemical, automotive industries |
| ISO Pallet 2 | 47.2″ (1200mm) | 47.2″ (1200mm) | 15.53 sq ft | Shipping and international transport |
| Asia Pallet | 43.3″ (1100mm) | 43.3″ (1100mm) | 13.04 sq ft | Common in Asia, especially Japan |
| Australian Pallet | 45.9″ (1165mm) | 45.9″ (1165mm) | 14.66 sq ft | Standard in Australia |
| Half Size Pallet | 48″ (1219mm) | 20″ (508mm) | 6.67 sq ft | Retail displays, smaller shipments |
Frequently Asked Questions
To calculate the square footage of a pallet, multiply its length by its width (both in feet). If your measurements are in inches, multiply length by width and then divide by 144 (12×12) to convert to square feet.
For example, for a standard 48″ × 40″ pallet: (48 × 40) ÷ 144 = 13.33 square feet.
The number of pallets that can fit in 1,000 square feet depends on several factors:
- With no aisles or spacing: Approximately 75 standard GMA pallets (1000 ÷ 13.33)
- With typical warehouse aisles and spacing: About 30-45 pallets (single level)
- With multi-level racking: Multiply the single-level count by the number of levels
For precise calculations, use our advanced warehouse planning calculator above.
Flue space is the gap between back-to-back pallets in warehouse racking. It’s typically 6 inches wide and serves several important purposes:
- Fire safety: Allows heat and smoke to rise vertically in case of fire
- Sprinkler system effectiveness: Enables water to reach lower levels during fire suppression
- Structural stability: Provides space for pallet overhang without interference
Many fire codes require maintaining proper flue space throughout warehouse racking systems.
Aisle width significantly impacts warehouse storage capacity. Here are typical aisle width requirements:
- Very Narrow Aisle (VNA): 60″-72″ – Requires specialized equipment but maximizes storage density
- Narrow Aisle: 84″-96″ – For reach trucks and other specialized equipment
- Standard Aisle: 108″-144″ – For counterbalance forklifts
- Wide Aisle: 144″+ – For 4-way/sideloader trucks or high-volume operations
Reducing aisle width by just 12 inches can increase warehouse capacity by 5-10%, but must be balanced with operational efficiency and safety requirements.
GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) pallets and Euro pallets differ in several key aspects:
| Feature | GMA Pallet | Euro Pallet |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 48″ × 40″ | 1200mm × 800mm (47.2″ × 31.5″) |
| Square Footage | 13.33 sq ft | 10.36 sq ft |
| Design | 4-way entry | 4-way entry with chamfered bottom boards |
| Weight Capacity | ~2,800 lbs | ~3,300 lbs |
| Regional Use | North America | Europe |
Euro pallets are slightly smaller but often more consistently manufactured and regulated with strict quality standards.
Warehouse Space Optimization Tips
Vertical Space Utilization
Maximize your warehouse storage capacity by utilizing vertical space:
- Install higher racking systems (check building height limitations)
- Use mezzanine floors for lighter inventory or packing operations
- Consider double-deep racking for high-density storage needs
- Implement automated storage and retrieval systems for tall spaces
Aisle Configuration
Optimize your aisle layout for better space utilization:
- Consider Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) racking with specialized lift equipment
- Implement one-way traffic flow in aisles to reduce aisle width needs
- Use angle-stored pallet racking for faster picking operations
- Consider mobile racking systems for low-access, high-density storage areas
Inventory Organization
Organize inventory strategically to optimize space and operations:
- Place high-turnover items in most accessible locations
- Group similar items or same-order items together
- Implement ABC analysis to prioritize inventory placement
- Use dynamic slotting to continuously optimize placement
Regulatory Considerations
Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements:
- Maintain proper flue spaces for fire safety (typically 6″)
- Allow for fire lanes every 100-150 feet
- Ensure sprinkler system compatibility with your storage height
- Leave clearance around fire extinguishers, exits, and electrical panels