Standard pallet size and dimensions
The standard pallet size in the US is 48 × 40 inches (1219 × 1016 mm), the GMA pallet, about 5.5–6 in (14–15 cm) high. In Europe the standard is the Euro pallet, 1200 × 800 mm and 144 mm high. Worldwide, ISO 6780 lists six sizes: 1219 × 1016, 1200 × 800, 1200 × 1000, 1165 × 1165, 1100 × 1100 and 1067 × 1067 mm.
Standard US pallet dimensions (48 × 40 in)
| Imperial | Metric | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 48 in | 1219 mm |
| Width | 40 in | 1016 mm |
| Height (empty) | about 5.5–6 in | about 14–15 cm |
| Footprint | 13.3 sq ft | 1.24 m² |
The 48 × 40 in pallet, standardized by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), is the most common pallet in North America. The first number is the length of the stringers or deck boards; the second is the width. Other North American sizes include 42 × 42 in (paint and telecom), 48 × 48 in (drums) and 40 × 48 in. Load ratings depend on how the pallet is built, so check the rating of the pallets you use.
Euro pallet sizes (EPAL)
| Type | Size (mm) | Size (in) |
|---|---|---|
| EUR / EPAL 1 (standard Euro pallet) | 1200 × 800 × 144 | 47.2 × 31.5 × 5.7 |
| EPAL 2 | 1200 × 1000 × 162 | 47.2 × 39.4 × 6.4 |
| EPAL 3 | 1000 × 1200 × 144 | 39.4 × 47.2 × 5.7 |
| EPAL 6 (half pallet) | 800 × 600 × 144 | 31.5 × 23.6 × 5.7 |
A standard Euro pallet carries up to 1,500 kg spread evenly. Its 1200 × 800 mm footprint is divided exactly by 600 × 400 and 400 × 300 mm cartons, which is why those carton sizes are so common in Europe. To see how many of your cartons fit, use the pallet calculator.
Standard pallet height when loaded
There is no single legal maximum, but common limits are 48–72 in (1.2–1.8 m) including the pallet, set by warehouses, racking and carriers. For shipping containers the door is the real limit: to stack two pallets, each must be under about 114 cm (45 in) in a standard container or 129 cm (51 in) in a high cube.
Pallets per container, one layer
| Pallet | Main region | 20GP | 40GP | 20RF | 40RH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Euro (EUR/EPAL) 120 × 80 cm | Europe | 11 | 25 | 10 | 23 |
| US GMA 48 × 40 in 121.9 × 101.6 cm | North America | 9 | 20 | 9 | 20 |
| 1200 × 1000 mm 120 × 100 cm | Europe, Asia | 9 | 22 | 9 | 20 |
| 1165 × 1165 mm 116.5 × 116.5 cm | Australia | 10 | 20 | 4 | 9 |
| 1100 × 1100 mm 110 × 110 cm | Asia | 10 | 20 | 8 | 20 |
| 1067 × 1067 mm 106.7 × 106.7 cm | North America, Europe, Asia | 10 | 22 | 10 | 20 |
Which pallet ships best in containers?
ISO containers were designed around feet and inches, not pallets, so no pallet fills them perfectly. The Euro pallet uses the floor best because its 80 cm side lets you mix lengthwise and crosswise lanes. Square Australian pallets fit two across in a dry container (233 cm of the 235 cm width) but only one across in a reefer, which is why Australian cold-chain shippers often use different pallets for export.
Pallet height and weight
- A Euro pallet deck is about 14.4 cm high; a US GMA pallet about 14.6 cm.
- For double stacking, each loaded pallet must be under about 114 cm in standard containers and 129 cm in high cubes (door height).
- Remember to include the pallet weight itself (roughly 15–30 kg for wood) in your gross weight.
Empty and loaded pallet weights and load ratings are in how much does a pallet weigh; carton patterns are in pallet stacking patterns.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard pallet size in the US?
48 × 40 inches (1219 × 1016 mm), known as the GMA pallet.
What are the dimensions of a Euro pallet?
1200 × 800 mm and 144 mm high (47.2 × 31.5 × 5.7 in).
How tall is a standard pallet?
An empty US pallet is about 5.5–6 in (14–15 cm) tall; a Euro pallet is 144 mm. Loaded pallets are commonly limited to 48–72 in including the pallet.
How many standard pallets fit in a 40ft container?
20 US pallets or 23–24 Euro pallets in one layer. See pallets in a 40ft container.
How many pallets fit on a 53 ft trailer?
26 standard 48 × 40 pallets loaded straight, or up to 30 turned. See pallets on a 53 ft trailer.