Pallet overhang means the load extends beyond the pallet deck. Underhang means the load footprint is smaller than the deck. Both can be intentional in some systems, but both should be visible in the plan.
Centered overhang math
If a centered load is 122 cm long on a 120 cm pallet, the two-centimetre difference becomes one centimetre per side. The Pallet Overhang Calculator performs that comparison on both pallet axes.
Why overhang can matter
Overhang can expose carton edges to impact, reduce compression performance and create interference in racks, trailers or adjacent pallet positions. Some customer specifications prohibit it entirely.
Underhang is not automatically efficient
A much smaller load can waste pallet and trailer footprint. If underhang is large, review the carton pattern with the Pallet Utilization Calculator or compare another pallet size.
Real loads are not perfectly centered
The simple formula assumes a centered rectangular load. Stretch wrap, deformation, mixed SKUs and loading practices can create projections that are not captured by nominal dimensions.