Pallet planning is more than dividing one area by another. Carton orientation, maximum loaded height, pallet base height and weight limits all affect the practical count.
What TI-HI means
TI is the number of cartons on one pallet layer. HI is the number of complete vertical layers. If a pallet is described as 10 TI × 5 HI, the geometric count is 50 cartons before weight, stability and crush limits are considered.
The TI-HI Calculator tests straight and rotated row arrangements to estimate cartons per layer and layers by height.
Pallet size is not universal
Different regions and industries use different pallet footprints. Always enter the actual pallet size used for the shipment rather than assuming a standard from another market.
Height calculation
Usable stack height is the maximum allowed loaded height minus the pallet base height. Divide that remaining height by carton height and use only complete layers.
Weight can become the real limit
A pallet may geometrically fit more cartons than it can safely carry. Carton compression strength, pallet rating, warehouse handling limits and carrier requirements can all reduce the usable count.
The Boxes Per Pallet Calculator also displays the estimated carton load weight so you can see when geometry and weight start to diverge.
Do not assume perfect packing
Mixed SKUs, required gaps, overhang restrictions, corner boards, straps and non-rectangular cartons can reduce the count. Treat a calculator result as a high-quality planning estimate, then validate the final pattern before production or booking.
Useful pallet planning sequence
- Confirm pallet footprint.
- Enter true packed carton dimensions.
- Set the maximum loaded height.
- Estimate TI and HI.
- Check total weight and stability.
- Confirm vehicle, warehouse and customer constraints.