The Complete Pallet Size Reference
Not all pallets are created equal. Find the right dimensions for your racking system, fleet, and product — with weight capacities and industry context.
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Standard Pallet Dimensions
Dimensions are given as Length × Width. Weight capacities vary by wood species, board thickness, and number of stringers. Figures below represent typical hardwood pallets in Grade A–B condition.
| Size | Common Name | Dynamic Cap. | Static Cap. | Industries | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 × 40" | GMA / Grocery | 4,600 lbs | 30,000 lbs | Grocery, CPG, Retail, Beverage | Most common pallet in North America. Fits standard racking systems. |
| 42 × 42" | Telco / Paint | 3,700 lbs | 28,000 lbs | Telecom, Paint, Chemical | Popular in telecom and paint industries due to square footprint. |
| 48 × 48" | Drum Pallet | 4,000 lbs | 30,000 lbs | Chemical, Drums, Industrial | Square format ideal for round drums and large industrial containers. |
| 48 × 45" | Automotive | 4,500 lbs | 28,000 lbs | Automotive, Heavy Industry | Designed for the automotive supply chain. Fits specific part bins. |
| 40 × 40" | Dairy Pallet | 3,500 lbs | 25,000 lbs | Dairy, Food & Beverage | Common in dairy distribution. Smaller footprint for tight coolers. |
| 36 × 36" | Beverage / Keg | 4,700 lbs | 22,000 lbs | Beverage, Brewing, Bottling | Heavily used in the beer and soft drink industry. |
| 48 × 36" | Door / Building | 4,000 lbs | 25,000 lbs | Building Materials, Doors, Windows | Long rectangular format popular in lumber and door manufacturing. |
| 48 × 42" | Military Spec | 4,200 lbs | 27,000 lbs | Military, Government, Aerospace | MIL-SPEC pallet used extensively in government and defense logistics. |
| 60 × 48" | Jumbo / Paper | 5,000 lbs | 32,000 lbs | Paper, Printing, Flooring | Oversized format for paper rolls, carpet, and wide-format materials. |
* Dynamic capacity = load capacity in motion (forklift). Static capacity = load capacity at rest. Racking capacity is typically lower — verify with your racking manufacturer.
How to Measure a Pallet
Length
Measure the longest side from outside board edge to outside board edge. This is always listed first in the dimension (e.g., 48" in 48×40).
Width
Measure the shorter side, again edge to edge. This is the second number (e.g., 40" in 48×40). For square pallets, both are equal.
Height / Deck Height
Standard wood pallets are 5.5"–6.5" tall. Verify this fits your forklift tine length and racking clearance before ordering.
What Size Is Right for You?
The right pallet size depends on four factors: your racking system, your product footprint, your truck or container interior dimensions, and your industry's standard practices.
Racking Systems: Most North American pallet racking is designed around the 48×40 GMA size. If you\'re matching existing infrastructure, start there.
Product Footprint: Your product's base should not hang over the pallet edge by more than 1–2 inches. Overhang beyond that risks tip-overs during transit.
Truck & Container Fit: A standard 53' dry van can hold two 48×40 pallets side-by-side (80" total) with minimal clearance. Confirm configuration with your freight team.
International Pallet Sizing Standards
If you\'re importing or exporting goods, understanding regional pallet standards prevents costly mismatches with overseas racking and handling equipment.
| Standard | Dimensions | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR 1 (EPAL) | 1200 × 800 mm (47.2" × 31.5") | Europe | Most common European pallet. Blue stamp signifies EPAL certified. |
| EUR 2 | 1200 × 1000 mm (47.2" × 39.4") | Europe | Used in heavier European industry and automotive sectors. |
| UK Half Pallet | 1200 × 500 mm | United Kingdom | Half-size variant used in UK retail display and point-of-sale. |
| ISO 1 | 1000 × 1200 mm | International | ISO standard #1; overlap with EUR 2 in metric dimensions. |
| ISO 2 | 1200 × 800 mm | International | ISO standard #2; aligns with EUR 1. |
| Australian | 1165 × 1165 mm | Australia/NZ | Square pallet standard for Australian domestic logistics. |
Stacking & Storage Considerations
Empty Pallet Stack Height
OSHA recommends stacking empty pallets no higher than 15 feet (roughly 25–30 pallets). Always band stacks in storage to prevent collapse.
Loaded Pallet Height
Loaded pallet stacks should generally not exceed two pallets high unless your racking is specifically rated for the combined load.
Block vs. Stringer Stacking
Block pallets can be accessed from all four sides. Stringer pallets typically from two sides. Verify before planning automated conveyor layouts.
Racking Beam Span
The longer the beam span, the more critical proper pallet size matching becomes. Undersized pallets on wide spans can flex, crack, or fail under load.
Need a Non-Standard Size?
We custom-build pallets to your exact specifications. Provide us with your dimensions, required load rating, wood species preference, and treatment requirements and we'll quote within 24 hours.