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Rack Capacity Calculator

Honeycombing costs a fifth of nominal capacity.

Written and maintained by Mohit PatelLast checked August 4, 2026How we build these
%

Usable unit capacity

121,651

506 usable pallet positions

Nominal positions576
Lost to honeycombing69
Positions needed175
Utilisation34.5%

Honeycombing is the empty space left when a partly-emptied pallet position cannot take another SKU. It typically costs 10% to 20% of nominal capacity, and it is the main reason a warehouse fills up before the pallet count says it should.

How the Rack Capacity Calculator works

Honeycombing is the empty space left when a partly-emptied position cannot take another SKU. It typically costs 10% to 20% of nominal capacity and it is the main reason a warehouse fills up before the pallet count says it should.

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Frequently asked questions

What is honeycombing?

Wasted space in a rack position that is partly empty but cannot be shared with another SKU. It is inherent to single-SKU-per-location storage and increases as pallets are picked down.

How much capacity does it cost?

Commonly 10% to 20% of nominal positions, higher with deep-lane or drive-in racking where whole lanes are dedicated to one SKU.

How do I reduce it?

Mixed-SKU pallets in reserve, dynamic slotting that consolidates part-pallets, and smaller pick faces replenished more often. Each adds handling and saves space.

What utilisation should I plan for?

Around 85% of usable positions is the practical ceiling. Above that, putaway and picking slow down because there is nowhere to move things temporarily.

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