load-buddyHow Load Buddy calculates a loading plan
Load Buddy proposes a two-dimensional floor arrangement from the van and pallet measurements you enter. It is a geometric planning aid: it shows where rectangular footprints can fit on one level.
From measurements to a floor plan
Inputs in centimetres, millimetres, inches or feet are converted internally to centimetres. The van's usable length and width define a rectangle. Each pallet becomes another rectangle with its entered length, width and total height. A pallet taller than the entered interior height is excluded from the floor arrangement.
The calculation tries several pallet ordering and placement rules. For each candidate it places eligible pallets in available rectangular space and updates the remaining space. When rotation is enabled, it also considers a 90-degree floor rotation. Mirrored variants provide further alternatives.
The result is selected from the layouts that place the most pallets found by those searches. When layouts place the same number, the calculation also compares occupied area and remaining free rectangles. This is a heuristic search, not an exhaustive proof of the best possible packing. Different inputs can produce different outcomes, especially with mixed sizes.
What “Try another layout” does
The button searches for another arrangement with the same maximum placed count found for the current inputs. It cycles through distinct geometric layouts, rather than simply renumbering identical pallets. If it cannot find another arrangement with that count, it says so. Repeating the button does not guarantee that another pallet will fit.
Read the result in three parts
- Loaded count: the number placed compared with the number requested.
- Floor drawing: the proposed positions and rotations, with numbers matching the list.
- More info: used floor percentage, remaining floor area and unplaced count.
Free floor area is a total measurement. It can be scattered across several strips, so it does not mean that a pallet of the same area will fit in one piece.
Access warnings are a separate check
Optional door width, door height and narrowest-passage inputs flag simple dimension conflicts. They do not reshape the floor, draw wheel arches or simulate the movement of a forklift, pallet truck or load. A clear warning result therefore does not prove that the load can reach its proposed position.
Limits and sharing
The tool does not calculate vehicle payload, axle loads, centre of gravity, securing requirements or safe stacking. It does not model non-rectangular obstructions. Use the actual vehicle and cargo measurements, inspect the loading route and check those requirements independently.
The share icon beside the layout button opens four options. Save here stores one plan in the current browser; Open saved restores it there. Copy link includes the dimensions and layout in a URL, visible to anyone who receives it. Print / PDF opens the browser's print window. A shared or printed plan keeps the same planning limitations.
Load Buddy is published by Ionbyte. These guides describe the current calculator behaviour and provide worked examples to help you interpret it.