How many pallets can I store per square meter?

Wondering how many pallets can I store per square meter? Have you recently wondered about the pallet storage capacity per square meter? Wondering how many pallets can I store per square meter?

Factors That Influence Pallet Storage Density

Pallet Size and Type

• Standard pallets in the UK (commonly 1200mm x 1000mm) require about 1.2 square meters of floor space when including necessary clearance.
• Smaller pallets or custom sizes may allow for higher density.

Racking System

• Floor-Stacking: If pallets are stored directly on the floor in a block-stack arrangement, you’ll need clearance around each pallet.
• Typical density: 0.8 to 1 pallet per square meter.
• Selective Pallet Racking: Allows one pallet per racking position.
• Typical density: 1 pallet per 1.2–1.5 square meters, including aisle space.
• Drive-In/Drive-Through Racking: Increases density by eliminating multiple aisles.
• Typical density: 2–3 pallets per square meter, depending on height.
• Automated/High-Density Racking: Systems like push-back, shuttle, or automated vertical storage maximize storage.
• Typical density: 3+ pallets per square meter.

Warehouse Height

Increasing vertical storage dramatically impacts the number of pallets stored per square meter.
Example: A warehouse with a 6m usable height and 3-level racking triples the floor-level pallet count.

Clearance and Safety Requirements

• Allow for appropriate aisle width for forklifts (typically 2.5–3.5 meters).
• Ensure compliance with fire safety and weight capacity regulations.

General Estimation

To calculate, consider:
Total Pallets = (Space Required Per Pallet (including aisle)) / (Usable Warehouse Area × Usable Height Levels)

Example:

• Warehouse Area: 1,000 m²
• Racking Type: Selective (1.5 m² per pallet with aisle)
• Levels: 3
• Total Pallets = 1.5 / 1,000 × 3 = 2,000 pallets

Quick Rules of Thumb

• Floor-Stacking: ~0.8–1 pallet/m²
• Selective Racking: ~0.7–0.9 pallet/m² (including aisles)
• High-Density Racking: 2–3 pallets/m² or more

Contact Us

As the North’s premier supplier of pallet racking, mezzanine floors, shelving, rack safety inspections, and semi-automated storage systems, 2h Storage Solutions brings over 20 years of expertise in various types of pallet and warehouse racking, as well as industrial storage solutions. Being an independent family-run business, you can purchase from us with complete confidence. We specialize in assisting companies facing storage challenges by thoroughly assessing your needs and recommending optimal storage solutions. With our extensive experience and diverse selection of warehouse racking, shelving, and mezzanine floor options, we are committed to increasing productivity, maximizing storage space, and enhancing operational efficiency. We prioritize understanding your specific requirements and objectives, ensuring we deliver the best possible solution from our range of top-tier products.

For further information, our design team at 2h Storage Solutions is ready to assist. Call us at 01937 585057.