Skip to content
Freight Calculator Hub logoFreight Calculator Hub

How Many Concrete Blocks Are on a Pallet?

About 90 standard 8×8×16 blocks per pallet.

A pallet of standard 8 × 8 × 16 in concrete blocks (CMU) commonly holds about 90, though suppliers stack anywhere from 72 to 144 depending on block weight and pallet. A pallet of 90 blocks weighs roughly 3,000–3,500 lb.

Block sizePer pallet
8×8×16 (standard CMU)≈90 (72–144)
4×8×16≈120–180
12×8×16≈48–72

Why a pallet of block is about 90 — and when it isn't

A standard 8 × 8 × 16 in concrete masonry unit (CMU) weighs roughly 35–38 lb, so a pallet of 90 runs about 3,000–3,500 lb — right at the practical ceiling for a pallet and forklift. That weight limit, not the footprint, is what fixes the count near 90 for standard-weight block. Lightweight (aggregate) block weighs less and pallets a little higher; solid or high-density block weighs more and pallets lower.

Change the block size and the count swings with it. Thin 4 × 8 × 16 veneer or partition block is half the weight, so 120–180 fit a pallet; heavy 12 × 8 × 16 block is bulkier and heavier, dropping the count to roughly 48–72. Suppliers also band 'contractor' pallets to order, so confirm the exact cube count when you're scheduling a lift or a truck.

How many blocks you need for a wall

For standard 8 × 8 × 16 block, plan on about 1.125 blocks per square foot of wall once the mortar joints are counted — the industry rule of 112.5 blocks per 100 square feet. So a pallet of 90 blocks builds roughly 80 square feet of wall. A 320 sq ft wall would need about 360 blocks — four standard pallets — before waste.

Add roughly 5% for breakage and cuts around openings, and remember to count bond-beam, corner and half units separately since they don't come out of the same pallet. Sizing the wall in square feet first and dividing by 80 (per pallet) is the fastest way to turn a drawing into a delivery order.

Calculate any pallet load

Different item or pallet size? Get units-per-pallet for anything.

Open the Pallet Calculator

Frequently asked questions

How Many Concrete Blocks Are on a Pallet?

About 90 standard 8×8×16 blocks per pallet. A pallet of standard 8 × 8 × 16 in concrete blocks (CMU) commonly holds about 90, though suppliers stack anywhere from 72 to 144 depending on block weight and pallet. A pallet of 90 blocks weighs roughly 3,000–3,500 lb.

Does the count vary by supplier?

Yes. Pallet counts for concrete blocks differ by brand, size, and how the pallet is stacked and wrapped. Treat these as typical figures and confirm with your supplier or carrier.

How do I calculate my own pallet load?

Enter your item's dimensions and your pallet size into the pallet calculator to estimate units per layer, layers, and total per pallet for any product.

How much does a pallet of concrete block weigh?

About 3,000–3,500 lb for ~90 standard 8×8×16 CMU at ~35–38 lb each, plus the pallet. That's a full pallet, so block ships one-high and needs a forklift or boom truck to place.

How many blocks do I need per square foot of wall?

About 1.125 standard 8×8×16 blocks per square foot (112.5 per 100 sq ft) with mortar joints — so one ~90-block pallet covers roughly 80 sq ft of wall. Add ~5% for cuts and breakage.

What freight class is a pallet of block?

A pallet of concrete block is heavy, dense freight and generally rates a low LTL class (around 55–70). Enter the pallet's dimensions and weight in the freight class calculator to confirm the exact class before booking.