Pallet Size Comparison
See how every major global pallet standard stacks up — dimensions, capacities, and best-use scenarios in one comprehensive comparison.
Not Sure Which Size to Order?
Tell us about your products and logistics, and we will pass your request to a partner supplier in our network who can discuss which pallet size suits your operation.
Complete Global Pallet Size Comparison Chart
This master table compares major pallet standards used in global logistics — 15 sizes across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and specialty sectors. Load figures are typical examples (EUR figures follow EPAL’s published ratings); confirm ratings with your supplier.
| Standard | Dimensions (mm) | Dimensions (in) | Footprint (sq ft) | Weight | Dynamic Load | Static Load | Entry | Design | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMA (48×40) | 1219 × 1016 | 48 × 40 | 13.33 | 33-48 lbs | 2,800 lbs | 5,500 lbs | 4-way | Stringer | N. America |
| EUR 1 (Euro) | 1200 × 800 | 47.24 × 31.50 | 10.33 | 55 lbs | 3,307 lbs | 8,818 lbs | 4-way | Block | Europe |
| EUR 2 | 1200 × 1000 | 47.24 × 39.37 | 12.92 | 73 lbs | 2,756 lbs | 8,818 lbs | 4-way | Block | Europe / Asia |
| EUR 3 | 1000 × 1200 | 39.37 × 47.24 | 12.92 | 64 lbs | 3,307 lbs | 8,818 lbs | 4-way | Block | Europe |
| EUR 6 (Half Euro) | 800 × 600 | 31.50 × 23.62 | 5.17 | 21 lbs | 1,102 lbs | 4,409 lbs | 4-way | Block | Europe |
| Australian | 1165 × 1165 | 45.87 × 45.87 | 14.61 | 73 lbs | 4,600 lbs | 8,800 lbs | 4-way | Block | Australia / NZ |
| Asia T11 | 1100 × 1100 | 43.30 × 43.30 | 13.02 | 44-55 lbs | 2,200 lbs | 4,400 lbs | 4-way | Block | Japan / Korea |
| Square (42×42) | 1067 × 1067 | 42 × 42 | 12.25 | 40-50 lbs | 2,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 4-way | Stringer/Block | Global |
| Chemical (48×42) | 1219 × 1067 | 48 × 42 | 14.00 | 45-55 lbs | 3,000 lbs | 6,000 lbs | 4-way | Stringer | N. America |
| Automotive (48×45) | 1219 × 1143 | 48 × 45 | 15.00 | 50-60 lbs | 3,000 lbs | 6,000 lbs | 4-way | Stringer | N. America |
| Half Pallet (US) | 1219 × 508 | 48 × 20 | 6.67 | 18-25 lbs | 1,400 lbs | 2,800 lbs | 4-way | Stringer | N. America |
| Quarter Pallet (US) | 610 × 508 | 24 × 20 | 3.33 | 8-12 lbs | 700 lbs | 1,500 lbs | 2-way | Stringer | N. America |
| Oversize (60×48) | 1524 × 1219 | 60 × 48 | 20.00 | 55-70 lbs | 4,000 lbs | 8,000 lbs | 4-way | Stringer | N. America |
| Sheet Goods (96×48) | 2438 × 1219 | 96 × 48 | 32.00 | 70-90 lbs | 6,000 lbs | 12,000 lbs | 4-way | Stringer | N. America |
| Beverage (36×36) | 914 × 914 | 36 × 36 | 9.00 | 30-40 lbs | 2,000 lbs | 4,000 lbs | 4-way | Stringer | N. America |
Container & Trailer Utilization by Pallet Size
Floor utilization percentage is the ratio of total pallet footprint area to the available floor area of the transport vessel. Higher utilization means less wasted space and lower per-unit freight costs. This table shows how common pallet sizes fill standard trailers and containers, worked out from internal floor dimensions (53' trailer about 630″ × 100.5″; 20' container about 233″ × 92.1″; 40' container about 474″ × 92.1″).
| Pallet Size | 53' Trailer (Count) | 53' Utilization | 20' Container (Count) | 20' Utilization | 40' Container (Count) | 40' Utilization | 40' HC (Count) | 40' HC Util. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMA 48×40 | 30 | 91% | 9 | 80% | 20 | 88% | 20 | 88% |
| EUR 1 (1200×800) | 39 | 92% | 11 | 76% | 23-24 | 78-82% | 23-24 | 78-82% |
| Asia T11 (1100×1100) | 28 | 83% | 10 | 87% | 20 | 86% | 20 | 86% |
| Square 42×42 | 28 | 78% | 10 | 82% | 22 | 89% | 22 | 89% |
Utilization percentages represent floor area coverage only, and counts are maximums by floor dimensions; real loads need some clearance. The EUR 1 figure for 40' containers reflects common practice with mixed orientation. Actual cargo efficiency also depends on product height, weight limits, and stacking capability.
Visual Size Comparison
Each rectangle below represents a pallet footprint drawn to relative scale. This gives you an intuitive sense of how much surface area each standard provides.
GMA
13.33 sq ft
EUR 1
10.33 sq ft
EUR 2
12.92 sq ft
Australian
14.61 sq ft
Asia T11
13.02 sq ft
Square
12.25 sq ft
Half Pallet
6.67 sq ft
EUR 6 (Half Euro)
5.17 sq ft
Quarter Pallet
3.33 sq ft
Pros & Cons of Each Standard
GMA (48×40) — North America
Advantages
- Universal compatibility across all North American infrastructure
- Most widely available size in North America
- Up to 30 pallets on a 53-foot trailer floor (loaded turned)
- Huge secondhand market for recycled pallets
Disadvantages
- Not designed around ISO container widths; mixed orientation is needed in containers
- Stringer design limits true 4-way entry
- No formal exchange pool system
- Incompatible with European/Asian racking and automation
EUR 1 (1200×800) — Europe
Advantages
- True 4-way block construction for faster handling
- EPAL exchange pool eliminates return logistics
- Quality overseen through EPAL licensing and audits
- Published EPAL load ratings (1,500 kg dynamic)
Disadvantages
- Smaller footprint means less product per pallet
- Heavier tare weight (55 lbs) increases freight costs
- Harder to source in North America
- Counterfeit risk in the open pool
Australian (1165×1165) — Australia/NZ
Advantages
- Largest footprint of the major standards (14.61 sq ft)
- Widely pooled in Australia (e.g., CHEP)
- Square shape allows loading from any orientation
Disadvantages
- Very rare outside of Australia/New Zealand
- Square footprint does not tile standard containers efficiently
- Heavier than most other major standards
- Not available for purchase in most global markets
Asia T11 (1100×1100) — Asia Pacific
Advantages
- Two fit across a standard ISO container (about 87% floor use in a 20')
- Standard in Japan and Korea
- Good balance of footprint size and weight
Disadvantages
- Lower dynamic load capacity than Western standards
- Not compatible with North American or European racking
- Limited recycled supply in the U.S.
- Lower 53-foot trailer floor use (about 83%) than GMA
Which Pallet Size Is Right for You?
The right pallet size depends on four factors: where your goods are going, what infrastructure they will encounter along the way, how much weight they carry, and what your trading partners expect.
Shipping Domestically in North America?
Use the 48×40 GMA pallet. It is the universal standard across U.S. and Canadian logistics. Your pallets will fit every truck, every rack, every dock, and every trading partner’s warehouse. Unless your product has a very specific dimensional requirement, the GMA pallet is almost always the most cost-effective and compatible choice.
Exporting to Europe?
Use EUR 1 pallets. Your European customers will expect them, and their warehouses are built for them. Shipping on GMA pallets to Europe means your customer pays to re-palletize your goods, adding cost and potential damage risk that hurts your competitiveness.
Exporting to Asia or Australia?
Match the destination standard. Japan and Korea use 1100×1100 mm (T11). Australia uses 1165×1165 mm. China accepts both 1100×1100 and 1200×1000. Contact the receiving warehouse to confirm their preferred standard before shipping.
Have a Unique Product or Workflow?
Consider a custom pallet. If your product does not fit well on any standard size, or if a custom dimension significantly improves container or trailer utilization, a purpose-built pallet can pay for itself through reduced freight costs and lower damage rates.
Get the Right Pallets for Your Operation
Tell us the sizes, grades, and quantities you need. SD Re Pallet will pass your request to a partner supplier in our network who can provide GMA, Euro-size, specialty, or custom pallets.