Wholesale guides
What Is a Pallet and How Pallet Math Works
A plain guide to pallet math, ti hi, and cases per pallet in wholesale.
Definition
A pallet is a flat platform used to stack, move, and store cases in wholesale operations.
In pallet math, you track cases per layer, layers per pallet, and the total cases a pallet holds.
Ti hi means tier height: how many layers sit on the pallet before the load reaches its set height.
How pallet math works
Start with the case footprint. Count how many cases fit on one layer, then count how many layers you can safely stack. Multiply those two figures to get cases per pallet.
Orientation matters. A case may sit upright, on its side, or rotated, and each position can change the number of cases that fit on a layer.
Your pallet math should also reflect shipping limits, warehouse rack height, product crush risk, and whether you need stretch wrap, slipsheets, or dunnage.
Why it matters
Pallet math affects storage density, freight planning, and labor. If you know the load structure in advance, you can estimate how many pallets a purchase order will take up before the truck arrives.
It also helps you avoid partial pallets that waste floor space. A small change in case size or layer count can change the total pallet count and the way you stage inventory.
For buyers and sellers, the same math supports clearer quotes. It gives both sides a common way to discuss cases per pallet, layer count, and shipping volume.
Examples
If a layer holds 12 cases and you stack 8 layers, the pallet holds 96 cases.
If a layer holds 10 cases and you stack 6 layers, the pallet holds 60 cases.
If a case changes size or orientation, the layer count can change even when the product and pallet stay the same.
ti hi and cases per pallet terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Cases per layer | How many cases fit on one pallet layer |
| Layers per pallet | How many layers stack vertically |
| Cases per pallet | Cases per layer multiplied by layers per pallet |
| Ti hi | Tier height, or stack height in layers |
FAQ
What does ti hi mean?
Ti hi is shorthand for tier height. It describes how many layers of cases sit on a pallet before the stack reaches its target height. People use it to discuss storage, freight, and warehouse handling in one compact phrase.
How do you calculate cases per pallet?
Count the cases that fit on one layer, then count the number of layers you can stack. Multiply those two numbers. If the case footprint changes, or if the load must stay under a height limit, the answer changes too.
Why does pallet orientation matter?
A case can fit differently when it is turned. The footprint on the pallet changes, so the layer count can go up or down. That is why pallet math should be checked with the actual carton dimensions, not assumed from product size alone.
What is the difference between a pallet and a skid?
In many warehouses, the words are used in a similar way. Some teams use pallet for a load base and skid for a simpler platform. Local practice varies, so it is worth confirming the term your warehouse, carrier, or buyer expects.
When should you use a pallet calculator?
Use one when you are setting case packs, building a quote, or planning freight. It helps you test different layer counts and see how the load changes before you commit to a purchase order or shipment plan.
Use the math before you ship
Check cases per pallet, layer count, and load height before you build the order.
More wholesale guides
- All wholesale guides
- What is a case pack in wholesale and how to set yours
- What is wholesale pricing and how it differs from retail
- How to Handle a Wholesale Order From Quote to Delivery
- Best fulfillment workflows for case and pallet orders
- Pallet calculator
- Wholesale Margin Calculator
- What is a broadline distributor
Last reviewed 2026-09-22.