Warehouse Space Calculator

Estimate pallet positions and floor area from your SKU count, rack height and aisle layout, as a rough space plan.

Your numbers

SKUs and pallet positions

Number of SKUs

SKUs

Pallet positions per SKU

Reserve (bulk) plus active picking position combined. Slow movers can share a position; fast movers may need more than one.

positions

Footprint per pallet position

A standard 48″ × 40″ pallet footprint is about 13.3 sq ft (1,920 sq in).

sq ft

Rack layout

Storage levels high

How many pallets stack or rack vertically in one bay, based on your ceiling height and lift equipment.

levels

Aisle and clearance factor

Multiplies the footprint for aisles and access. About 2–2.5× for standard selective racking, 1.5–1.8× for narrow-aisle systems, 3×+ for floor-stacked goods.

Your result · updates as you type

Floor area needed

2,926 sq ft

300 pallet positions across 150 SKUs, stacked 3 levels high, needs about 100 bays and 2,926 sq ft (272 sq m) of storage floor, including aisles.

Total pallet positions: 300
Bays needed: 100
Floor area (sq m): 272

This is a rough space plan, not a warehouse design. Add space on top of this figure for receiving, packing, returns and staff areas, and have a warehouse or racking supplier confirm clearances and load ratings before you sign a lease.

Floor area at other aisle factors

1.5×

1,995 sq ft

2×

2,660 sq ft

2.2×

2,926 sq ft

2.5×

3,325 sq ft

3×

3,990 sq ft

Breakdown

SKUs × positions per SKU: 150 × 2 = 300 positions
Positions ÷ levels high: 300 ÷ 3 = 100 bays
Bays × footprint × aisle factor: 100 × 13.3 × 2.2 = 2,926 sq ft

From SKU count to floor area

Floor area = ⌈(SKU count × positions per SKU) ÷ levels high⌉ × footprint per pallet × aisle & clearance factor

Example: the default numbers

Pallet positions: 150 SKUs × 2 positions = 300
Bays needed: 300 ÷ 3 levels high = 100 bays
Floor area: 100 bays × 13.3 sq ft × 2.2 aisle factor

About 2,926 sq ft (272 sq m) of storage floor, including aisles.

The assumptions behind it

Input	Typical value	Why it changes
Footprint per pallet	≈13.3 sq ft (a standard 48″×40″ pallet)	Oversized or odd-shaped pallets need more
Levels high	3	Higher ceilings and taller lift equipment let you stack more
Aisle & clearance factor	2.0–2.5× for standard racking	Narrow-aisle systems need less (1.5–1.8×); floor-stacked goods need more (3×+)

This is a rough space plan, not a warehouse design. Add space on top of this figure for receiving, packing, returns and staff areas, and have a warehouse or racking supplier confirm exact clearances and load ratings before you sign a lease.

Questions people ask

How much warehouse space do I need per SKU?

It depends on how many pallet positions each SKU needs (reserve plus active picking stock) and how high you can stack. Use the calculator with your own SKU count and rack plan rather than a fixed per-SKU figure.

What's a typical pallet footprint?

A standard 48″ × 40″ pallet footprint is about 13.3 sq ft (1,920 sq in). Larger or irregular pallets need more.

What does the aisle factor mean?

A multiplier on the pure pallet footprint to allow for the aisles a forklift or picker needs to reach every position. Standard selective racking is usually 2–2.5×; narrow-aisle systems can be tighter.

Does this include office and packing space?

No, only storage floor for the pallet positions. Add extra for receiving, packing, returns and staff areas on top of this figure.

Last reviewed 30 September 2026.