How to use this calculator
- Enter or choose load weight.
- Enter or choose payload capacity.
- Enter or choose load volume.
- Enter or choose cargo space volume.
- Enter or choose pallets loaded.
- The load utilisation (highest of the three) updates as you type. Use Copy result or Share to keep it.
Method
Weight % = Load ÷ Payload × 100; Volume % = Load volume ÷ Capacity × 100; Pallet % = Pallets ÷ Positions × 100; Utilisation = the highest of the three
- Payload
- the most cargo weight the vehicle may legally carry
- Capacity
- usable internal cargo volume
- Positions
- pallet spaces on the floor
Worked example
- Weight: 18,000 ÷ 24,000 = 75%.
- Volume: 70 ÷ 90 = 77.78%.
- Pallets: 26 ÷ 33 = 78.79%, the highest, so floor space limits this load.
The truck is 78.79% utilised; floor space runs out before weight or volume.
What the result means
The highest percentage is how full the truck really is. If floor space limits you but volume is low, stackable pallets or double-decking could add load; if weight limits you, adding light, bulky freight is the way to fill it.
Assumptions and limits
- Weight, volume and pallet positions are independent limits; axle loads are checked separately.
- A load within payload can still overload one axle. Use the axle load calculator to check how it is distributed.
Questions
Why not average the three percentages?
A truck can take no more once any one limit is reached, so the highest figure is the true fill rate.
What counts as payload?
The permitted gross vehicle weight minus the vehicle’s unladen weight, including driver and fuel as your rules require.