Planning calculators for packaging and freight. Verify carrier, pallet, and equipment limits before final decisions.
Trust & accuracy

Methodology and calculation assumptions

PackFlow shows the formulas and exposes important constraints so users can tell the difference between exact unit conversion, theoretical geometry, and real-world packing estimates.

Calculation principles

  • Normalize internal calculations to metric units.
  • Keep full numerical precision internally and round for display only.
  • Validate impossible or missing dimensions before presenting results.
  • Separate exact arithmetic from packing estimates and state the limitation near the result.
  • Let users override commercial or equipment assumptions such as DIM divisors, pallet limits, payload, and container dimensions.

Core formulas

CBM

CBM = length(m) × width(m) × height(m) × quantity

Dimensional weight

DIM weight = package volume in carrier units ÷ divisor

Paper weight

Weight(kg) = area(m²) × GSM ÷ 1000

Roll length

Length = π × (OD² − core OD²) ÷ (4 × effective thickness)

Pallet model

The pallet calculator tests a uniform carton footprint in the entered orientation and a 90° rotation. It then applies maximum loaded height and optional gross-weight limits. It does not claim to solve mixed-pattern pallet optimization.

Container model

The container calculator tests all six axis-aligned carton orientations in a rectangular grid and applies an optional payload ceiling. It does not model mixed-SKU loads, door geometry, lashing, dunnage, axle limits, or arbitrary 3D rotations.

Preset values

Presets are starting values, not legal or contractual specifications. Container internal dimensions and payloads can vary by equipment owner and unit. Pallet heights and weights vary by construction. Carrier DIM rules vary by service and contract. Verify the current source that governs your shipment.

Review date

Methodology last reviewed: October 2026.