Calculator
LDM Calculator: How Many Pallets Fit on a Truck? Loading Metres
Enter the quantity, dimensions and stack layers of your pallets or cargo to see total loading metres (LDM), truck fill and how many vehicles you need. You can change the vehicle length and width.
What is LDM (loading metre)?
LDM (loading metre) is the length of the vehicle floor your cargo occupies. The standard calculation assumes a vehicle width of 2.4 m:
LDM = Length (m) × Width (m) ÷ 2.4 — for stackable cargo, divide by the number of layers.
| Cargo | Size (cm) | LDM (single layer) |
|---|---|---|
| Euro pallet | 120 × 80 | 0.4 |
| Standard pallet | 120 × 100 | 0.5 |
| Half pallet | 80 × 60 | 0.2 |
| Full truck | 1,360 × 240 | 13.6 |
How many pallets fit on a truck?
Assuming 13.60 m loading length and 2.45 m internal width, with a 1 cm gap between pallets, single layer:
- Euro pallet (120×80): 33 — 3 across, 11 rows
- Standard pallet (120×100): 26 — 2 across, 13 rows
Stackable pallets multiply by the number of layers; check the vehicle’s payload and height limit as well. Vehicle dimensions vary by type.
Pricing by LDM
Road groupage is usually priced on whichever of LDM, volume (m³) or weight gives the higher value; how many kilograms 1 LDM represents depends on the carrier. Use the CBM calculator to convert volume to weight and the container calculator for sea containers.
Frequently asked questions
How many pallets fit on a truck?
With 13.60 m loading length and 2.45 m internal width, single layer: 33 Euro pallets (3 across, 11 rows) or 26 standard pallets (120×100; 2 across, 13 rows).
How many LDM is a Euro pallet?
1.2 × 0.8 ÷ 2.4 = 0.4 LDM. A standard pallet (120×100) is 0.5 LDM and a half pallet (80×60) 0.2 LDM.
How many pallets is 1 LDM?
2.5 Euro pallets or 2 standard pallets in a single layer.
What does 13.6 LDM mean?
It is the loading length of a standard semi-trailer (curtainsider); a full truck is 13.6 LDM.
How does stacking affect LDM?
For stackable cargo, LDM is divided by the number of layers: 10 Euro pallets stacked two high take 2 LDM instead of 4. Check the vehicle’s payload and height limit separately.
Send us the dimensions and the route; the relevant office will get back to you.