Standard Pallet Sizes
A pallet dimensions reference covering major standards worldwide with weight capacities, material specs, and application guidance.
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Understanding Standard Pallet Dimensions
The term “standard pallet size” depends entirely on where you are in the world. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) recognizes six pallet footprints under ISO 6780, each optimized for the shipping container dimensions and road transport regulations of a specific geographic region. In practice, dozens of additional sizes are in regular circulation for specialized industries such as automotive, beverage, chemical, and pharmaceutical logistics.
Every pallet has three critical dimensions: length (the dimension parallel to the stringer or stringer board), width (perpendicular to the stringer), and height (the total thickness of the assembled pallet, typically 5 to 7 inches for a standard block or stringer design). The length and width together define the pallet’s footprint, which determines how it interfaces with trucks, racking, and automated handling equipment.
Load capacity is expressed in two ways. Dynamic load capacity is the maximum weight the pallet can safely carry while being lifted and moved by a forklift or pallet jack. Static load capacity is the maximum weight the pallet supports when resting on a flat surface or racking beams. Static capacity is always higher than dynamic capacity because movement introduces shock and vibration forces that stress the pallet structure.
The tables below cover every standard pallet size you are likely to encounter, organized by region and ISO designation. All dimensions are provided in both imperial (inches) and metric (millimeters) units. Weight capacities assume a new or Grade A hardwood pallet in standard stringer or block construction. Actual capacity will vary based on wood species, pallet grade, moisture content, and design specifics.
ISO 6780 Recognized Pallet Sizes
These six footprints are internationally recognized under ISO standard 6780. They represent the most commonly used pallet dimensions in global commerce.
| ISO 6780 Size | mm (L × W) | Inches (L × W) | Primary Region | Dynamic Load | Static Load | Common Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1219 × 1016 | 48 × 40 | North America | 2,800 lbs | 5,500 lbs | GMA Pallet |
| 2 | 1200 × 1000 | 47.24 × 39.37 | Europe / Asia | 3,300 lbs | 6,600 lbs | EUR 2 |
| 3 | 1165 × 1165 | 45.87 × 45.87 | Australia | 4,600 lbs | 8,800 lbs | Australian Standard |
| 4 | 1100 × 1100 | 43.30 × 43.30 | Asia / Pacific | 2,200 lbs | 4,400 lbs | Asia Standard |
| 5 | 1067 × 1067 | 42 × 42 | North America / Europe | 2,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs | Drum Pallet |
| 6 | 1200 × 800 | 47.24 × 31.50 | Europe | 3,300 lbs | 6,600 lbs | EUR 1 / Euro Pallet |
North American Pallet Sizes
Beyond the 48×40 GMA pallet, these sizes are commonly used across specific industries in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
| Size (inches) | Size (mm) | Dynamic Load | Static Load | Industry / Application | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 × 40 | 1219 × 1016 | 2,800 lbs | 5,500 lbs | Grocery, Retail, General Merchandise | 4-way |
| 42 × 42 | 1067 × 1067 | 2,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs | Telecommunications, Paint, Drums | 4-way |
| 48 × 48 | 1219 × 1219 | 3,500 lbs | 7,000 lbs | Drums, Barrels, Square Containers | 4-way |
| 48 × 42 | 1219 × 1067 | 3,000 lbs | 6,000 lbs | Chemical, Pharmaceutical | 4-way |
| 40 × 48 | 1016 × 1219 | 2,800 lbs | 5,500 lbs | Military, Cement | 4-way |
| 48 × 36 | 1219 × 914 | 2,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs | Beverage, Paper, Shrink-wrap | 4-way |
| 48 × 20 | 1219 × 508 | 1,400 lbs | 2,800 lbs | Retail Display (Half Pallet) | 4-way |
| 24 × 20 | 610 × 508 | 700 lbs | 1,500 lbs | Retail Display (Quarter Pallet) | 2-way |
| 36 × 36 | 914 × 914 | 2,000 lbs | 4,000 lbs | Beverage, Small Footprint | 4-way |
| 44 × 44 | 1118 × 1118 | 2,800 lbs | 5,600 lbs | Chemical Drums, Bulk Containers | 4-way |
| 60 × 48 | 1524 × 1219 | 4,000 lbs | 8,000 lbs | Automotive, Heavy Equipment | 4-way |
| 72 × 48 | 1829 × 1219 | 4,500 lbs | 9,000 lbs | Aerospace, Oversize Cargo | 4-way |
| 48 × 45 | 1219 × 1143 | 3,000 lbs | 6,000 lbs | Automotive Parts | 4-way |
| 56 × 44 | 1422 × 1118 | 3,200 lbs | 6,400 lbs | Automotive | 4-way |
European Pallet Sizes (EUR / EPAL)
The European Pallet Association (EPAL) standardizes several EUR pallet types. The EUR 1 is by far the most common, but each serves a specific logistics need. Learn more on our dedicated Euro pallet page.
| Designation | mm (L × W) | Inches (L × W) | Dynamic Load | Static Load | Racking Load | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EUR 1 | 1200 × 800 | 47.24 × 31.50 | 3,300 lbs | 6,600 lbs | 2,200 lbs | General Freight |
| EUR 2 | 1200 × 1000 | 47.24 × 39.37 | 3,300 lbs | 6,600 lbs | 2,200 lbs | Industrial Goods |
| EUR 3 | 1000 × 1200 | 39.37 × 47.24 | 3,300 lbs | 6,600 lbs | 2,200 lbs | Beverage, Heavy Goods |
| EUR 6 | 800 × 600 | 31.50 × 23.62 | 1,100 lbs | 4,409 lbs | 1,100 lbs | Half Euro, Retail Display |
Asia-Pacific & Australian Pallet Sizes
These sizes are prevalent across Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, and New Zealand. If you export to the Asia-Pacific region, matching local pallet standards is essential for efficient port handling and warehouse integration.
| Size (mm) | Size (inches) | Dynamic Load | Static Load | Region / Country | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1100 × 1100 | 43.30 × 43.30 | 2,200 lbs | 4,400 lbs | Japan, South Korea, China | T11 standard; common in Japan and Korea |
| 1200 × 1000 | 47.24 × 39.37 | 3,300 lbs | 6,600 lbs | Japan, China, Southeast Asia | Same footprint as EUR 2 |
| 1165 × 1165 | 45.87 × 45.87 | 4,600 lbs | 8,800 lbs | Australia, New Zealand | Widely pooled (e.g., CHEP) |
| 1067 × 1067 | 42 × 42 | 2,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs | Asia, North America | ISO 6780 square size |
Detailed Weight Capacity: Static, Dynamic, and Racking Loads
This comprehensive table shows all three load ratings for every major standard pallet size. Racking load is the most critical rating for warehouse operations, as it represents the pallet’s capacity when supported only on rack beam edges.
| Pallet Size | Design | Dynamic Load | Static Load | Racking Load | Pallet Weight | Wood Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48×40 (GMA) | Stringer | 2,500 - 2,800 lbs | 5,000 - 5,500 lbs | 2,000 - 2,500 lbs | 33 - 48 lbs | SYP / Oak / Mixed HW |
| 48×40 (GMA) | Block | 2,800 - 3,200 lbs | 5,500 - 6,500 lbs | 2,500 - 3,000 lbs | 45 - 60 lbs | Hardwood / SYP |
| EUR 1 (1200×800) | Block | 3,307 lbs (1,500 kg) | 8,818 lbs (4,000 kg) | 2,205 lbs (1,000 kg) | 55 lbs (25 kg) | Hardwood / Softwood |
| EUR 2 (1200×1000) | Block | 2,756 lbs (1,250 kg) | 8,818 lbs (4,000 kg) | 2,205 lbs (1,000 kg) | 73 lbs (33 kg) | Hardwood / Softwood |
| Australian (1165×1165) | Block | 4,600 lbs (2,090 kg) | 8,800 lbs (3,990 kg) | 3,500 lbs (1,590 kg) | 73 lbs (33 kg) | Hardwood (Eucalyptus) |
| T11 (1100×1100) | Block | 2,200 lbs (1,000 kg) | 4,400 lbs (2,000 kg) | 1,800 lbs (820 kg) | 44 - 55 lbs | Softwood / Engineered |
| 42×42 (Drum) | Stringer | 2,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 2,000 lbs | 40 - 50 lbs | SYP / Oak |
| 48×48 | Stringer | 3,500 lbs | 7,000 lbs | 2,800 lbs | 50 - 65 lbs | Hardwood |
Load ratings above are typical figures for new or Grade A pallets (EUR figures follow EPAL’s published ratings). Capacity depends on the specific design, species, and condition, so always confirm the rating with your supplier for your application.
Board Thickness and Deck Board Specifications
Deck board thickness is one of the most important variables in pallet strength. Thicker boards resist bending better and spread concentrated loads more evenly. However, thicker boards also increase pallet weight and cost. The table below shows standard board thicknesses used across different pallet classes and their impact on load capacity.
| Board Thickness | Metric | Typical Use | Load Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8″ (0.375″) | 9.5 mm | Light-duty, display pallets, single-use export | Low |
| 1/2″ (0.500″) | 12.7 mm | Light-to-medium loads, recycled pallets | Moderate |
| 5/8″ (0.625″) | 15.9 mm | Standard GMA pallets, general purpose | Standard |
| 3/4″ (0.750″) | 19.1 mm | Heavy-duty, racking applications | High |
| 1″ (1.000″) | 25.4 mm | Extra-heavy loads, custom industrial pallets | Very high |
Deck Style Variations
The arrangement of deck boards on the top surface of a pallet affects load stability, product compatibility, and handling efficiency. Different industries require different deck configurations based on their specific product and handling needs.
Flush Deck (Full Coverage)
Deck boards placed edge-to-edge with no gaps between them, creating a continuous flat surface. Ideal for small items, bags, and products that could fall through gaps. Common in pharmaceutical, food processing, and chemical industries. Adds weight and cost compared to standard spacing.
Best for: Bags, small parts, drums, food products
Standard Gap Deck
The most common configuration, with open spaces between deck boards. A standard GMA pallet typically has 7 top deck boards. This design provides adequate support for boxes, cases, and cartons while minimizing wood usage. Gaps also allow air circulation for temperature-sensitive products in cold storage.
Best for: Boxes, cartons, cases, general merchandise
Perimeter Deck
Wide lead boards on the outer edges with larger gaps or fewer boards in the center. This design concentrates strength at the pallet perimeter where fork tines engage and where the pallet contacts rack beams. Perimeter decks use less wood than flush decks while maintaining structural integrity at critical stress points.
Best for: Heavy concentrated loads at edges, racking applications
Partial or Skip Deck
Uses fewer deck boards than standard (for example, 5 instead of 7 on a 48×40), creating wider gaps. This is the most economical option and is suitable for large, rigid products that span across gaps without sagging. Common for sheet goods, large appliance boxes, and other wide-span products.
Best for: Large rigid boxes, sheet goods, appliances
Fork Entry Specifications
Fork entry type determines how a pallet can be picked up by forklifts and pallet jacks. This seemingly simple feature has major implications for warehouse throughput, handling speed, and compatibility with automated systems. There are three primary fork entry configurations used in standard pallets.
| Entry Type | Description | Fork Opening Height | Fork Opening Width | Pallet Types | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Way Entry | Fork access from two opposite sides only | 3.0 - 3.5″ (76-89 mm) | Full width of stringer opening | Basic stringer pallets without notches | Low-cost single-use, pallet jacks |
| Partial 4-Way (Notched) | Full entry from 2 sides; partial (notched) entry from 2 sides | 3.0 - 3.5″ (76-89 mm) | Notch opening: 8-9″ wide × 1.5″ deep | GMA stringer pallets | Most common in North America |
| True 4-Way (Block) | Full fork entry from all four sides | 3.5 - 4.0″ (89-102 mm) | Full width between blocks | Block pallets (EPAL, Australian, T11) | High-throughput warehouses, AS/RS |
Fork Clearance Requirements
Standard forklift forks are 4 inches wide and 42 or 48 inches long. The minimum clearance between the top and bottom deck boards (the fork opening height) must be at least 3 inches for standard pallet jacks and 3.5 inches for forklifts. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) may require a minimum of 3.75 inches. Always verify your handling equipment specifications before selecting a pallet design.
Specialty & Industry-Specific Sizes
These non-standard sizes are commonly used in niche industries where standard footprints do not optimize container utilization or product fitment.
| Size (inches) | Size (mm) | Dynamic Load | Industry | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 × 24 | 1219 × 610 | 1,500 lbs | Flooring, Tile | Narrow for aisle-width constraints |
| 40 × 40 | 1016 × 1016 | 2,200 lbs | Dairy, Agriculture | Square format for bins and crates |
| 36 × 48 | 914 × 1219 | 2,500 lbs | Paper, Printing | Optimized for roll stock |
| 84 × 48 | 2134 × 1219 | 5,000 lbs | Lumber, Sheet Goods | Extra-long for 7-foot sheets |
| 96 × 48 | 2438 × 1219 | 6,000 lbs | Plywood, Drywall | Full 4x8 sheet pallet |
| 110 × 48 | 2794 × 1219 | 5,000 lbs | Roofing, Siding | Extra-long building material pallet |
| 120 × 48 | 3048 × 1219 | 5,500 lbs | Steel Pipe, Long Bar Stock | 10-foot pallet for long materials |
| 48 × 32 | 1219 × 813 | 2,200 lbs | Automotive, Electronics | Automotive parts and components |
Standard Pallet Heights
While length and width get the most attention, pallet height matters too. The height determines how much vertical space is consumed in a trailer and affects overall stack height in racking. Here are the most common pallet heights by design type:
| Design Type | Height (inches) | Height (mm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Stringer | 5.5 - 6.5 | 140 - 165 | Most common in North America |
| Block Pallet | 5.5 - 6.0 | 140 - 152 | Euro pallets are typically 144 mm |
| Low-Profile / Nestable | 3.5 - 4.5 | 89 - 114 | Used for air freight and display |
| Skid (No Bottom Deck) | 3.0 - 3.5 | 76 - 89 | Oldest design; limited stackability |
Need a size not listed here? Custom pallets built to your dimensions are available through partner suppliers in the SD Re Pallet network, as are many of the standard sizes above in new and recycled options. Request a quote and a partner supplier will follow up on availability and pricing.
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